leaving a gift in your will
Learn more about your life-saving legacy
Five people lose their lives to sepsis every hour in the UK. But we’re here to change that.
At UKST, we believe that earlier diagnosis and treatment across the UK could save thousands of lives each year. Our goal is to end preventable deaths from sepsis and improve outcomes for survivors, but we can’t do it alone – and your legacy is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference.
By kindly leaving us a gift in your Will, you’re helping us protect future generations from sepsis. You’re helping us save lives.
How leaving a gift in your Will saves lives from sepsis
When you leave a gift in your Will to UKST, you’re leaving a life-saving legacy.
Your gift, whatever the size, is helping us to end preventable deaths and improve sepsis outcomes.
Leaving just 1% of your estate could help us deliver this change in the future.
Your support helps us:
- Reach more people with life-saving information.
- Improve sepsis care by educating health professionals.
- Be there for people affected by sepsis with free information and Nurse-led support.
How to leave a gift in your Will
You can leave a gift in your Will in just a few straightforward steps.
We’d also recommend talking to our Legacy team first to help you decide what’s right for you. They can share tips and information on how to get started, the impact of your gift, and the different types of gifts you can make.
Write a free Will online
We’ve partnered with Farewill, one of the UK’s top Will writing specialists, to offer you free support with writing or updating your Will. It can take as little as 15 minutes.
Set up your free Will over the phone
If you’d prefer to set up your free Will over the phone, you can get dedicated professional support from Farewill.
Make a Will with a local solicitor
You can also make a free Will with a solicitor. To find a solicitor in your areas, use the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor tool.
Please note, we strongly advise speaking to a solicitor or legally qualified professional to ensure your Will is valid and accurately reflects your intentions.
HOW YOUR GIFT COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE
“Our daughter Charlotte had been unwell for a week with strange breathing and mottled skin. We’d been told it was just a viral infection, but something about how she looked reminded me of a post I’d seen from the UK Sepsis Trust.
“I rushed her back to A&E and asked ‘Could it be sepsis?’. Immediately, staff gave her the treatment she needed. Without that post she may not be here today.
“The UK Sepsis Trust saved our daughter’s life.”
— Sarah’s daughter, Charlotte, survived sepsis at 6 months old.
“Joining the UK Sepsis Trust’s online bereavement group was one of the best decisions I made after my son died. It gave me a safe, understanding space to share my grief and connect with others who truly understand the pain. Knowing I wasn’t alone made all the difference.
“The sessions are filled with every kind of emotion, all of them valid and respected. [It] helps make things just a tiny bit easier.”
— Helen, whose son James died of sepsis when he was 16-months-old.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
We know that talking about your legacy can be difficult, so if you’d like confidential guidance or simply want to ask a question, our Legacy team is here to help.
Call: 0800 389 6255
Email: legacy@Sepsistrust.org
FAQs
Why should I make a Will?
By making your Will and keeping it up to date, you can make sure that your affairs are in order and that your estate is dealt with as you would wish.
If you die without a Will, your estate may not go where you would have wished. Someone else will decide how your assets are distributed.
Why leave a gift in your Will?
Leaving a gift in your Will is a meaningful way to make a lasting difference to a cause you care about. Many decide to leave a gift to charity in their Will as a way of continuing to make a difference.
Do I have to leave UKST a gift in my Will to use your free service?
There is no expectation to leave a gift in your Will to UKST when creating a Will with Farewill, although if you do choose to, it will be greatly appreciated and make a significant difference to the lives of others.
Can I change my Will later?
Yes. You can update your Will at any time if your circumstances or wishes change, and there is never any obligation to leave a gift to UKST.
Many supporters choose to do so only after they’ve taken care of those closest to them.
If I already have a Will, how can I add UKST to it?
You can update your existing Will by adding a codicil. We strongly recommend you consult with a solicitor before adding a codicil form to ensure it’s legally binding.
Does UKST take part in Free Wills Month?
Some charities offer free Will writing services to people aged 55 and over during Free Wills Month (March and October). The UK Sepsis Trust is not part of the scheme because we offer free Wills all year round.
Our free Wills service is available to anyone over the age of 18 living in the UK.
What types of gifts can I leave?
There are 3 different types of gifts you can leave to UKST in your Will:
- A residuary gift – a gift of a percentage of your estate, once your friends and family members have been provided for and debts have been cleared.
- A pecuniary gift – a gift of a fixed sum of money (this can decrease in value over time due to inflation).
- A specific gift – a gift of a particular item, such as jewellery or antiques.
Is there a minimum amount I need to leave?
No. Every legacy gift, large or small, is valued and appreciated.
Do I have to tell you if I leave a gift?
No. But if you choose to let us know, we can thank you and make sure your wishes are understood and remain confidential.