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Free Will Writing Services

Making a Will is something we often put off, but it doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive

Free Wills Pack

When you choose to support Cancer Research Wales, you’re choosing to help make sure the people of Wales don’t have to accept cancer as a life-threatening disease.

Get your free Wills pack today

When you choose to support Cancer Research Wales, you're choosing to help make sure the people of Wales don't have to accept cancer as a life-threatening disease.


Octopus Legacy (free Wills online)

We've partnered with expert estate planners, Octopus Legacy, so you can write or update your will for free. The cost of your will is covered by us up to £150 so you can write or update a simple will for free, or get a will with trust at a discounted rate.

While many supporters choose to include a gift in their will to Cancer Research Wales, there's no obligation to do so when using this service.

Start your will here


National Free Wills Network (free Wills in person)

We have also teamed up with the National Free Wills Network, so that you can make or update a free simple will through a local solicitor. Get in touch to let us know you'd like to use the National Free Wills Network.

We will then refer you to the Network and they will send a pack directly to you containing a list of your local participating solicitors and a form. Contact your chosen solicitor to make an appointment, take along your completed form and get your simple will written for free. 

Write your will in person today


How to write or update your Will

Find the right will for you. You can write your will:

  • Online
  • Over the phone or video call
  • In person, at home or in branch

Or call Octopus Legacy directly on 020 4525 3605 and quote Cancer Research Wales.

*Applies to simple wills only. Discounts are applicable for wills with trusts.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about leaving a gift in a Will.

Do I really need a Will?

It’s not a legal requirement, but a Will is the only way you can make sure your wishes are taken care of when you’re gone. Dying without a Will can cause problems for those left behind, at an already hard time. Making a Will can give you peace of mind and make things easier for your loved ones too.

Do I need to be wealthy to leave a gift in my Will?

No, every gift, no matter the size, will make a difference. From 1% of your estate to 100%, £500 to £50,000, your gift will help fund the research of tomorrow and create a better future for all people with all cancers across Wales.

What information do I need to include a gift in my Will to Cancer Research Wales?

To make sure we receive your intended gift in the future, please include our full charity name, address and registered charity number:

Cancer Research Wales
22 Neptune Court
Vanguard Way
Cardiff
CF24 5PJ

Registered Charity Number: 1167290
What are the different types of gifts I can leave?
  • Residuary gift – this is made from whatever is left over after all expenses and other gifts have been paid. You can give the whole of the residue to a person or a charity like Cancer Research Wales, or a percentage of it. This type of gift isn’t affected by inflation so will hold its value better than a cash gift
  • Pecuniary gift – this is a specified sum of money. If you would like your gift of money to maintain its value over time, you can ask your solicitor to index-link it
  • Specific gift – this could be a particular item of value such as art, property, shares or jewellery. When we are left a specific gift, it is generally with the intention that it can be sold and the proceeds used to support our research.

We do recommend you use a qualified solicitor to write or update your Will, and make sure it is properly worded.

Are there any tax benefits to leaving a gift in my Will?

As a charity, any gift you leave to us in your Will is exempt from Inheritance Tax. The value of your gift will be deducted from your estate before Inheritance Tax is applied. Inheritance Tax rules are subject to change, so it’s always best to speak to a professional advisor or you can visit the government website for more information.

Do you need me to tell you I’ve left a gift in my Will?

You don’t need to tell us, but if you’re happy to share your intentions, we’d love to thank you.

What if I’ve already written my Will?

If you want to make a small change to an existing Will, you can usually do this with a codicil. This is a legal document that acts as a supplement to the original Will, and which needs to be stored with your Will. You should use a solicitor to do this to ensure it’s legally binding. If you need to make a lot of changes, or a large change, it may be better to write a new Will. We recommend you consult a solicitor or professional advisor. Alternatively, you could use our free Will writing services to make a new Will.

I am an executor, where do I send the legacy payment?

All correspondence should be sent to our Legacy Officer: Bryony Adams, Cancer Research Wales, 22 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ, who will reply to the correspondence and acknowledge the payment. Cheques should be made payable to Cancer Research Wales. Read more information for executors.

Can’t see your question? Let us know, we’re happy to help. Get in touch

Our Legacy partners

We are the Welsh cancer research charity. Help us fund world class research in Wales.

Every week in Wales, 175 families lose a loved one to cancer. We are working to make sure that the people of Wales don't have to accept cancer as a life-threatening disease. But we need your support. Donate today and help bring better treatments closer to home for patients across Wales.

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