Seafarers UK - The leading charity for the UK's maritime community

Leave a legacy

Each year we are amazed at the extreme lengths to which some of our supporters will go to raise funds for Seafarers UK. However, you do not have to conquer 24 Peaks in 24 hours, run marathons or abseil down the side of iconic buildings to be a living legend in our eyes; simply leaving a gift in your Will is legendary enough.

With no government funding, we have always relied on the generosity of others to help make a real difference to people’s lives across the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Last year, our legacy income amounted to £482,000. This represented 19% of the grants we awarded in the same year.

Legacies are therefore crucial to every aspect of our work. In particular, they help us to plan and maintain services in a consistent way. A bequest may not be available to us for some considerable time, but it will provide a vital source of income for the years ahead, helping us to withstand future recessionary times.

It is a common myth that you have to be wealthy to leave a gift in your Will, but nothing could be further from the truth. After taking care of family and friends, then one final gift to Seafarers UK, no matter how big or small, will leave a lasting tribute to former friends and colleagues. 

Did you know that if your total estate is worth in excess of the current inheritance tax threshold, it could be liable for 40% tax, and that as of 6 April 2012, people who leave 10% or more of their net estate to charity can choose to pay a reduced rate of Inheritance Tax of 36%?

So if you decide to leave a legacy to Seafarers UK, money that might otherwise be taken in tax will benefit our work. Your estate on another hand might benefit, where appropriate, from a reduction in Inheritance Tax which might be payable.

You can also be assured that we will put your kind donation to very good use, and no matter how big or small your donation is, it will go a long way to supporting our future work, and we thank you for your kindness and generosity.

How to leave a legacy to Seafarers UK

It is not expensive to make a Will, nor is it too complicated or time consuming, but it is important that it is executed properly. A ‘home made’ Will may be sufficient in a simple case, but it is best to go to a Solicitor and get reliable professional advice to suit your own circumstances.

When you are drawing up your Will, we would of course recommend that you make adequate provision for your family, before considering making a charitable gift. Your solicitor will also be able to advise you about this.

Your legacy should be left to Seafarers UK of 8 Hatherley Street, London SW1P 2QT.

Codicils

If you have already drawn up your Will, did you know that you can use a document called a Codicil to make alterations, including adding new beneficiaries? Your Codicil must be signed by you and two witnesses.

Codicils are generally used for straightforward changes. If a complicated change is involved, it is usually advisable to make a new Will. If you have any questions about adding a Codicil to your Will, you should seek advice from your solicitor.

If you would like to find out more about leaving a legacy to Seafarers UK, please download our Legacy Pack here, or if you have any questions, please telephone us 020 7932 0000 or email seafarers@seafarers-uk.org.