Transforming the lives of our young patients and their families.
At Alder Hey Children’s Charity, gifts in wills left by our kind supporters are transforming the lives of our young patients and their families.
These special gifts help us develop crucial new treatments, fund state-of-the-art medical equipment and create magical ward experiences during a child’s time at Alder Hey.
As an NHS charity our funds come entirely from donations, events and gifts in wills contributed by a nation of caring people – people just like you, who want to leave a parting gift that will create a brighter future for the next generation. If you’re considering this wonderful gesture, then thank you!
What gifts in wills can do
Rebecca and Tommy’s story
Rebecca Bergin, who pledged to leave a gift to Alder Hey Children’s Charity as a way to thank the hospital for the care that her son Tommy received when he was a patient at Alder Hey.
Tommy was admitted to Alder Hey after he became irritable with diarrhoea during the night. Tommy’s mum, Rebecca, initially suspected he had a virus, but after he became hot to touch and began having difficulty breathing, she rang for an ambulance.
Soon after arriving at Alder Hey, Rebecca received the news that no parent ever expects to hear: Tommy had bacterial meningitis and sepsis. After a quick reaction from Rebecca and the specialists to get Tommy the treatment he needed, doctors were able to make crucial steps to protect his brain.
Speaking on how the specialists and staff made a difference during her experience at Alder Hey, Rebecca told us: “Alder Hey made the most difficult time in my son’s life more bearable. The nurses and consultants were so helpful and supportive when Tommy got his diagnosis. I couldn’t have got through it without the amazing nurses on 4B, they took the time to get to know me and my son, and even got me a card for my birthday as we spent it in the ward. The consultants were so helpful with explaining what was going on and took the time to tell us what we could expect during his recovery.”
Rebecca has made a difference for other children and young people at Alder Hey like Tommy, by pledging to leave a gift in her will to Alder Hey Children’s Charity. Speaking on her decision to leave a gift to Alder Hey, Rebecca said: “After the care that Tommy received at the hospital, I decided to leave a gift for Alder Hey in my will so they can continue to make the most difficult times in other families lives easier. I’m so glad my son was looked after by this amazing hospital; I cannot thank everyone at Alder Hey enough for what they have done for us.”
More inspiring stories - Audrey
During her lifetime, Audrey Griffiths experienced the magic of Alder Hey on two occasions.
Her daughter, Elizabeth, was admitted to Alder Hey as a toddler and successfully overcame a health issue. Years later, Madog, the son of a close family friend was diagnosed with leukaemia aged 2. Madog, now a teenager, was successfully treated at Alder Hey, and at the time of Audrey’s passing in early 2020, he was ‘out of the woods’ and now attends the hospital for check-ups twice a year.
Click here to read about how mum Audrey experienced the magic of Alder Hey when daughter Elizabeth was admitted as a toddler.
Our promise to you
We recognise that any gift you choose to leave in your will is special, this is why we are proud to make the below promises to you. When you leave a gift in your will to Alder Hey Children’s Charity we:
- Promise to use your gift wisely
- Realise you might want your gift used in a special way
- Recognise that those closest to you come first
- Understand that you might have to change your mind due to a change in personal circumstances
- Will never put pressure on you to leave a gift in your will
- Will treat you and your next of kin sensitively and with respect and gratitude
Getting started
If you’ve never had a will, the idea of having one created may seem like a daunting prospect.
We understand that everyone is different. That’s why we have partnered with trusted solicitors and will-writers to help you to write your will for free. We’ve answered many of the queries and questions people have about wills in our FAQs section at the bottom of this page.
Should you have any questions, please do get in touch with our Legacy Manager, Zoë Viney-Griffiths, who will be more than happy to provide any information or reassurance you need.
Email: legacies@alderhey.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0151 953 0170
Frequently asked questions
IF I ALREADY HAVE A WILL DO I NEED TO MAKE A NEW ONE?
You may be able to record any changes simply by adding a codicil or a letter of wishes to your current will, although it is best to check with a solicitor.
CAN I WRITE MY OWN WILL?
You can write your own will, but we recommend using a qualified solicitor to make a new will or amend an existing one. Using a solicitor will give you peace of mind that your will is valid and legally sound, and that your wishes will be met. Whilst you may have your own solicitor, Alder Hey Children’s Charity is partnered with several who can start the process for you, possibly even for free - see above for details.
HOW DO I WRITE MY WILL?
- Create a list of what to leave and to whom
- Choose and ask at least two people you trust to be executors
- Speak to a solicitor or will-writing expert to have your will drawn up
- Keep your will safe and secure (ideally with your solicitor)
- Let your family know if you’ve included Alder Hey Children’s Charity in your will
WHO DO YOU RECOMMEND I WRITE MY WILL WITH?
Farewill is the largest Will writer in the UK and has won multiple awards for its service, including National Will Writing Firm of the Year 2019 and 2020. You can access a FREE online Will by using the code 'ALDERHEY-FAMILY' by clicking here. To use the telephone Will service via Farewill you can request a call back by clicking here.
Accord have a national network of around 250 advisors and can provide Wills via telephone, Skype, Zoom and also home visits making the process as convenient as possible. Accord we are proud to partner with Alder Hey Children’s Charity as a FREE Will writing partner. All consultations are tailored to the individual’s needs and you will be guided through the process of making a Will with a qualified expert estate planning consultant. Email alderhey@accordwills.co.uk to arrange an appointment.
HOW DO I INCLUDE A GIFT TO ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARITY IN MY WILL?
A solicitor can advise you as to what type of gift you may wish to leave, but as a starting point you can provide them with our address and registered charity number.
Our registered charity number is 1160661 and our registered address is Alder Hey Children's Charity, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP.
IS TAX PAYABLE ON MY DONATION?
Any gift you make to us or any UK charity is free of inheritance tax.
WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT MAKING A WILL AND LEAVING A GIFT TO ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S CHARITY?
Should you have any questions, please do get in touch with our Legacy Manager, Zoë Viney-Griffiths, who will be more than happy to provide any information or reassurance you need.
Email: legacies@alderhey.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0151 953 0170