Why making a Will could protect your loved ones – and support local healthcare

RUHX, the official NHS charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath, is urging local people to make sure they have an up-to-date Will – and to consider leaving a gift that could make a lasting difference for future patients.

More than half of UK adults don’t have a Will, according to the Money and Pensions Service. Without one, it can be unclear what happens to your estate, your wishes may not be carried out, and loved ones could face unnecessary stress.

RUHX says that having a Will is the best way to protect your family’s future – and at the same time, it offers the chance to support causes close to your heart.

“The idea of writing a Will is a serious subject and one that requires much forward planning,” said Jonathan Chase, Gifts in Wills Manager at RUHX.

“RUHX is the official NHS charity of the RUH Bath which treats more than 230,000 patients each year and serves half a million people in the community through our family of hospitals and treatment centres.

“But we are more than a hospital charity. We go further to give you and your loved ones the extra extraordinary care you deserve, while supporting our staff to do what they do best.

“Every donation goes towards improving the health, happiness and wellbeing of everyone in Bath and beyond – and without gifts in Wills, we simply could not do what we do. Gifts in Wills make up a third of our charity’s income!

“Having a Will, and making sure it’s up to date, is the best way of making clear what you wish to happen to your estate in the future. You can also include who cares for your children or pets, should anything happen to you. It’s important to make sure that friends and family are cared for in your Will, but you can also make sure the causes that matter to you are included too, as your legacy for the future. A Will can be used to help both the people and the causes closest to your heart.”

Mary, daughter of Daphne, who left RUHX a gift in her Will, said, “As a family, it’s a comfort to know that people going through cancer treatment have been helped by our mother’s generosity and kindness. It’s a positive thought during a sad time.”

In 2024, £4.5bn was donated to charities across the country, through gifts left in Wills (Legacy Futures 2024 research) and across the UK, one in five people have included a gift in their Will to charity (Remember A Charity 2025 research).

“At RUHX, we count on gifts in Wills,” added Jonathan. “Whether it’s a large sum or a little something, every gift empowers us to go above and beyond with innovative equipment, research and facilities, along with a huge number of smaller things that bring comfort to patients and staff.

“By leaving a gift in your Will, you’re helping the RUH Bath to keep on being here and doing extra for your family, friends and community – long into the future. What a powerful legacy to leave behind.”

“To find out more about how a gift in your Will can support your local hospital, head to www.ruhx.org.uk/gift-in-wills to download our free gift in Wills guide or speak to our Gifts in Wills team on 01225 825 900.”

Picture: William Beck