Legacy Gap: Most Britons Aspire to Leave a Mark, But Few Have a Will
New research has uncovered a significant disconnect between the aspirations of Britons to leave a positive legacy and the practical steps they take to formalise their wishes. A survey conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (Gosh Charity) reveals that while the majority of people hope to be remembered for their contributions, a startlingly low number have actually drafted a will.
The Stark Contrast Between Hope and Action
The study, carried out by Opinium and released at the start of Free Wills Month, found that 61 per cent of respondents expressed a desire to be remembered for their lifetime actions benefiting future generations. However, only 39 per cent have taken the crucial step of drafting a will to ensure their wishes are honoured.
The figures become even more concerning when examining charitable intentions. Just 14 per cent of those surveyed have included a gift to charity in their will. An additional 11 per cent stated they intend to donate but have not yet updated their will, while 19 per cent are considering it. This leaves a substantial 41 per cent who are not currently considering leaving a charitable bequest at all.
Generational Differences and Key Life Triggers
The research highlights notable generational disparities in attitudes towards legacy giving. Among Baby Boomers (aged 62 to 80), more than half (51 per cent) are not considering a charitable gift in their will. For Generation X (aged 46 to 61), this figure stands at 44 per cent.
The survey also identified specific life moments that prompt individuals to reflect on their legacy:
- The death of a loved one was the most common trigger, cited by 14 per cent of respondents.
- Becoming a parent or grandparent followed closely at 12 per cent.
- Reaching a significant life milestone was mentioned by 10 per cent.
- Experiencing a serious illness prompted reflection for 9 per cent.
Misconceptions About Charitable Giving
Gosh Charity suggests that uncertainty about the accessibility of legacy giving may be a contributing factor to the low uptake. While nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of people were aware that it is possible to leave a gift of any size to charity in a will, just over a third (35 per cent) were unaware of this option.
Further misconceptions were revealed regarding the impact of small donations. When asked about leaving a financial gift of up to £100, nearly half (46 per cent) of those surveyed believe it would make little difference to a charity, and 8 per cent believe it would make no difference at all.
The Real-World Impact of Legacy Gifts
Gabi Field, deputy director of public fundraising at Gosh Charity, emphasised the importance of every contribution. "Every legacy gift, no matter the size, helps Gosh Charity fund vital support for families at the hospital as well as ground-breaking research," she said. "Together, these gifts ensure seriously ill children get the best chance and childhood possible, now and for generations to come."
The charity points to patient Ary Patel as a testament to this impact. Ary, who is approaching his tenth birthday this year, underwent heart surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital when he was just six months old. He is now starring in a Gosh Charity television advert encouraging people to consider leaving a gift in their will.
Ary's mother, Shiva, shared her family's experience: "To see Ary approaching his 10th birthday is truly incredible, and something we will never take for granted. When Ary needed surgery, the care we received at Great Ormond Street Hospital was extraordinary – not just the life-saving treatment, but the support and kindness shown to us every step of the way."
The Opinium Research survey polled 2,000 people across the United Kingdom in February, providing a comprehensive snapshot of national attitudes towards legacy planning and charitable giving.
