You can choose either to update your current Will using a Codicil, or add specific wording directly to your Will detailing your donation.
Please remember to include the charity’s registered charity number when you include your gift- Registered in England and Wales with Charity Reg No. 207994 and registered in Scotland with Charity Reg No. SCO38731.
Adding specific wording directly to your Will
Updating your current Will using a codicil
Below are examples of model wording to include in your Will:-
Model wording for a Residual Gift
(a residual gift is a percentage or all of what is left of your estate- the residue)
“I bequeath to Marie Curie Cancer Care of 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP, (the whole/one half/ two-thirds or three-quarters, for example) of my residuary estate to be applied to the general purposes of the said Charity”.
Model wording for a specific Cash Gift
“I bequeath to Marie Curie Cancer Care of 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP, the sum of £__. __ to be applied to the general purposes of the said Charity.
Model wording for a specific gift in kind
(a donation in kind is one such as property, shares, jewellery, etc)
“I bequeath to Marie Curie Cancer Care of 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP, my ___________ eg. property, shares, jewellery, furniture, ect to be applied to the general purposes of the said Charity.
Model wording for a Restricted Gift
“I bequeath to Marie Curie Cancer Care of 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP, [for xxxxx] to be applied to [the nursing service in _____/ the Marie Curie Hospice _____/ the Marie Curie Research Institute, for example].
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If you are simply adding a donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care to an existing Will, you can use a Codicil.
Adding a codicil means there's no need to change the terms of your current Will. It simply adds a new instruction.
A few simple rules for Codicils
- Do not cross out or write new instructions into your current Will as any changes will not be valid.
- As with Wills, two people need to witness you signing and dating the Codicil
- Keep the Codicil along with your current Will in a safe place.
- Send, or give, a copy of the Will and Codicil (in a sealed envelope, if you prefer) to your Executor or other trusted friend, with a note indicating where the original is held.
A model Codicil form
Download a model Codicil form (pdf 160 KB, new window).
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