Gareth’s blog: A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime

Gareth’s blog: A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime

March is Free Wills Month, a timely reminder of how important it is to have a will in place. If you’re thinking about writing or updating yours, we provide a free will-writing service all year round, making it simple and accessible whenever the time feels right.

Many of us put off making a will – it can feel uncomfortable or difficult. But they’re an essential way to look after the people and causes that matter most to you. For charities like Forget Me Not, gifts left in wills are not about endings – they’re about protecting care and support for local families long into the future.

Why gifts in wills matter

Here in West Yorkshire, we support children with life‑shortening conditions and their families, often over many years. If you have ever visited the hospice, met our teams, or seen a family being supported, you will know just how much that care means. It is only possible because of the generosity of people like you.

One of the most meaningful ways people choose to help is through a gift in their will. It’s a thoughtful decision that reflects personal values and the wish to make a difference for local families in the years ahead.

Looking ahead: protecting the future of local care

Like all hospices, Forget Me Not is a charity. While we work closely with the NHS, statutory funding does not cover the full cost of the care we provide. At the same time, demand is growing and children’s needs are becoming more complex.

This is a long-term challenge. Gifts in wills help us bridge the gap, strengthen our services and remain a reliable lifeline for families who will need us in the future.

A promise to the future

Loved ones should always come first when making a will. But for those who choose to remember Forget Me Not, even with a small gift, the impact can be extraordinary. It is a lasting act of kindness that helps protect the future of children’s hospice care right here in our community.

A gift in a will is more than a donation. It is a promise – that children and families in West Yorkshire will always have a place to turn, now and for generations to come.

Click here for more information about leaving a gift in your will and to request a free copy of our gifts in wills guide. You’ll also find details here of how to make your will for free.