New research has uncovered a significant gap between Britons' aspirations to leave a positive mark on the world and their actual preparations, with a survey revealing that only 39 per cent of people in the UK have drafted a will. The study, conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (Gosh Charity), found that while 61 per cent of respondents hope to be remembered for their contributions, over half have not formalised their wishes through a will.
Charitable Bequests Remain Low Among the Population
The figures are even more striking when it comes to charitable giving, with just 14 per cent of people including a gift to charity in their will. An additional 11 per cent expressed an intention to donate but have not yet updated their will, and 19 per cent are considering it. However, two-fifths (41 per cent) of respondents said they are not currently considering leaving a gift to charity in their will, with this number rising to more than half (51 per cent) among Baby Boomers aged 62 to 80 and 44 per cent of Gen-X individuals aged 46 to 61.
Key Life Events That Trigger Will Writing
The survey, carried out by Opinium and released at the start of Free Wills Month, explored the life moments that prompt people to reflect on their legacy. The death of a loved one was the biggest trigger at 14 per cent, followed by becoming a parent or grandparent at 12 per cent, reaching a life milestone at 10 per cent, and experiencing a serious illness at 9 per cent. Over half (52 per cent) of respondents emphasised the importance of their lifetime actions benefiting future generations, highlighting a strong desire to make a lasting impact.
Uncertainty Surrounds Legacy Giving Accessibility
The research suggests there may be some uncertainty about how accessible legacy giving can be. Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of people were aware it is possible to leave a gift of any size to charity in a will, while just over a third (35 per cent) were unaware of this. When asked about leaving a small financial gift of up to £100, nearly half (46 per cent) of those surveyed believe it would make little difference to a charity, and 8 per cent believe it would make no difference at all.
Personal Stories Highlight the Impact of Charitable Gifts
Gabi Field, deputy director of public fundraising at Gosh Charity, stated: "Every legacy gift, no matter the size, helps Gosh Charity fund vital support for families at the hospital as well as ground-breaking research. Together, these gifts ensure seriously ill children get the best chance and childhood possible, now and for generations to come." The charity shared the story of patient Ary Patel, who underwent heart surgery at the hospital when he was six months old and is now approaching his 10th birthday. Ary is starring in a Gosh Charity TV advert encouraging people to consider leaving a gift in their will.
Ary's mother, Shiva, commented: "To see Ary approaching his 10th birthday is truly incredible, and something we will never take for granted. When Ary needed surgery, the care we received at Great Ormond Street Hospital was extraordinary – not just the life-saving treatment, but the support and kindness shown to us every step of the way." Opinium Research surveyed 2,000 people across the UK in February, providing a comprehensive snapshot of current attitudes towards wills and legacy planning in Britain.
