Kind-hearted Brits left gifts in Wills to 10,670 different charities last year, the highest number recorded over the past decade, according to research marking the start of Remember A Charity Week.  

The Smee & Ford data reveals that there were 37,242 charitable estates in 2021, a 10.7% increase on the number reported for 2020. The value of charitable estates increased by nearly £2bn from £17.9bn to £19.8bn, a growth of almost 11%.  

Gifts in Wills are a critical source of funding for charitable services across the country, raising more than £3 billion for good causes annually.  

However, the Covid-19 pandemic hit charities hard, with many seeing a decrease in donations at a time when they were needed most, putting their vital work at risk. With the continuing impact of the pandemic, changing economic circumstances and rise in cost of living, many charities are yet again experiencing an increase in demand, whilst struggling with their own additional costs.  

Today (5^th September) marks the start of Remember A Charity Week, an opportunity for charities around the country to raise awareness of passing on something wonderful by including a charity in their Will after family and friends have been taken care of.  

In this region, legacies both large and small have made a huge difference to the work of Northumberland Wildlife Trust.  Donations of all sizes have helped it provide vital protection for local wildlife, landscapes and endangered species, manage its nature reserves for everybody to enjoy and run school and community events.

A legacy from the late George Swan, emeritus professor of organic chemistry at Newcastle University helped the Trust purchase the 600-acre Benshaw Moor in Redesdale to save its important wildlife and habitats including peatland and limestone springs from intensive commercial forestry and the installation of wind turbines.

Earlier this year a £33,000 legacy from former school teacher Dr James Parrack enabled the wildlife charity to carry out work at its Holywell Pond reserve including the renovation of its weather-beaten and severely vandalised wildlife viewing hide and the installation of a new ramp in accordance with UK disability standards.

However, it’s not just large sums of money that help the wildlife charity. Legacies have paid for pots of paint for wildlife crafting, nets and trays for pond dipping, bird food, gloves for its army of volunteers, and, most recently,12 Crown Staffordshire Bone China ornamental ducks from the Peter Scott Wildfowl collection donated as part of a deceased person’s house clearance have been sold an online auction site to raise much needed funds.

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Chief Executive said: “It’s been inspiring to see how charitable the British public has been throughout the Covid pandemic and aftermath. With the rise in cost of living creating yet another challenge, we know how hard it is to consider where our money goes. No matter how big or small, leaving a gift to charity in your Will to us is a great way to help safeguard the future of the region’s wildlife and enable us to continue our crucial work.” 

Former head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, Len Goodman, and TV Presenter Janet Ellis will be lending their support to the week. 

 Len Goodman, head judge on Dancing with the Stars, commented: “I am honoured to be supporting Remember A Charity Week for the fifth year running and to have met some of the inspiring people working hard for a range of charitable causes.  

“However big or small, leaving a gift to charity in your Will once your friends and family are taken care of is a marvellous thing. I’ve done it myself - it’s so simple and it really does make an enormous difference!” 

Janet Ellis, Former Blue Peter Presenter, Writer and Actress, said: “Remember A Charity Week is a great opportunity to recognise the incredible work carried out by our charities across the country, and encourage people to support them by leaving a gift in their Will. Whatever you’re able to give, every amount can make a big difference. Let’s pass on something wonderful to the next generation.” 

In recognition of the importance of gifts in Wills, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has partnered with UK online Will specialists Guardian Angel, who are already working with a number of other UK Wildlife Trusts, to offer wildlife lovers a free Will and the opportunity to leave a fixed sum or percentage of their estate to support the work it does. For more information visit: www.nwt.org.uk/support-us/leave-gift-your-will