70% of Brits don't have a will

Macmillan Cancer Support reports 70% of Brits don't have a will

01 Nov 2011

Macmillan Cancer Support has revealed that nearly half of the nation (46%) admit they don't like to talk about death at all and feel uncomfortable talking about their will. Two thirds (65%) say they haven't even discussed the subject with close friends or family.

The survey of 2,000 people also revealed that seven in ten (70%) have not even written a will or made plans for what they'll leave behind. To support the launch of 'Will Aid Month', Macmillan Cancer Support has partnered with Jasmine Birtles, financial expert and founder of Moneymagpie.com, to provide a set of tips on will writing, so people can ensure that all they care about and the causes that matter to them the most, are looked after.

Nine in ten (87%) are aware that they can leave a gift to charity in their will however only 38% would. Gifts in wills currently accounts for over 1/3 of Macmillan's funding, but only 7% of the UK population supports charities with a gift in their will. This compares to over 70% who support charities in their lifetime.

Sarah Lee, Legacies Manager at Macmillan commented: "Legacy giving is surrounded by many myths and misunderstandings which stop people from actively considering supporting charities in this way. By raising awareness of the ways in which people can leave gifts to charities in their wills we want to overcome these so that will-writing is discussed more openly and honestly. Gifts in wills are so important for Macmillan, large or small every gift makes a difference, we couldn’t do what we do without them."

Jasmine Birtles highlights the importance of making a will and keeping it updated as personal circumstances change. She said: "If you don't write a will, it can leave distressing, and often expensive problems for those who are left behind. It could also mean that people you wanted to look after end up being left out. I am supporting Macmillan Cancer Support in this matter because I want to encourage people to think about their will and make sure their assets go to people and causes they care about."

For more information on legacy giving, support on will writing or just a chat, interested parties can visit www.macmillan.org.uk/legacies or call Macmillan on 0800 107 4448.

  

About Macmillan Cancer Support:
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care. One in three people will get cancer. Two million people are living with it. Macmillan can help those affected by cancer.

For more information, including cancer fundraising ideas, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or freephone 0808 808 0000 for an information pack.