Family with down's syndrome member

Leave a gift in your will

A gift in your will is an amazing way to leave your mark on a cause you feel passionately about. Your friends and family come first, but once you’ve looked after those closest to you, please consider leaving a gift to the Retail Trust. Even a small amount, like a 1% share of your estate, can make a big difference to people and families in need in retail.

Every gift we receive from our supporters, no matter how large or small, makes a real and tangible difference to the lives of the people we support.

After providing for your loved ones, leaving a percentage of your estate or a fixed amount to the Retail Trust will leave a lasting legacy. It will enable us to provide vital support to those in need for generations to come.

“As soon as I heard about my Retail Trust scholarship I found a flat through SpareRoom and packed the biggest suitcase in my house! Without my scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to make this move and study at GCU London, progress my business ideas or even have access to the most up to date information about how the pandemic is affecting the fashion industry.”

Georgia, fashion business creation student at GCU London 

A larger gift could help in many ways from giving young people the confidence to believe in a brighter future to enabling our residents to enjoy the highest quality of life in their later years.

“I think so far that the programme is great, I have learned so much, it has helped me immensely with my self-confidence. It’s made me a lot happier and I feel like I’m a part of a family. My confidence has gone sky high”

Morganne, participant in pre-employment programme

“I love my cottage, it is my sanctuary. Before I came here I was living on the street or on people’s sofas and a month or two earlier, I was suicidal. You were God sent.”

Mrs M, resident at Marshall Estate.

A gift in your will could make a tremendous difference to thousands of people in retail and their families for years to come. Together, we can transform lives for good.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about leaving a gift in your will, please contact us at fundraising@retailtrust.org.uk

Ways to leave a gift in your will

We recommend you consult a solicitor to make sure that all the legal formalities are covered and that your will is valid. The cost of the solicitor will vary depending on how complex your will is. We cannot personally recommend a solicitor to help write your will but you can contact the Law Society who can send you a list.

In England and Wales, go to lawsociety.org.uk, or call 0207 242 1222. 

In Scotland, contact the Law Society of Scotland at  lawscot.org.uk, or call 0131 226 7411. 

In Northern Ireland, contact the Law Society of Northern Ireland at  lawsoc-ni.org, or call 0289 023 1614. 

In ROI, contact the Law Society ROI at lawsociety.ie or call + 353 1 672 4800.

Leaving a gift is simple

You will need to include our name, address and registered charity number:

Retail Trust
The Form Rooms
22 Tower Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9NS

Registered charity in England and Wales (1090136) Scotland (SC039694)

The Retail Trust has partnered with will writing service Bequeathed to help our retail colleagues plan for their future. The service is available free of charge if you work for one of our wellbeing partners.

Alternatively, you can contact Remember a Charity who can help you make your will.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of gift can I leave in my will? 

Your gift can be as small or big as you like – all donations will help us support the wellbeing of people in need across retail. Gifts are generally specified in the following categories:

Residuary gift: a gift of any portion of your estate that remains after payment of debts, administration expenses and distribution of any specific gifts.

Pecuniary gift: a gift of a specific amount of money you desire to donate. Such gifts can be expressed to be ‘index linked’ so the sum gift holds its value in line with inflation.

Specific gift: a gift of a specific item you wish to leave, for example jewellery, artwork or furniture.

Many supporters choose to leave a share of their estate, a residuary gift, for the simple reason that it keeps pace with inflation and enables you to ensure that your loved ones are cared for. After you have thought about those closest to you, would you consider leaving just 1% of your estate to the Retail Trust?

I’m looking after my loved ones. Can I still leave a gift to the Retail Trust?

Yes, of course. Looking after your loved ones comes first. After making sure that they will be provided for, it is still possible to support the Retail Trust with a gift in your will.

How can I change my existing will?

Speak to a solicitor to help you to add a form called a codicil to your existing will. Don’t make changes yourself as it could render your existing will invalid if this isn’t done correctly.

Do I need to tell the Retail Trust?

There is absolutely no obligation to tell us if you choose to include the Retail Trust in your will. However, we are always happy to hear from our supporters, and by letting us know your intentions, we’ll know how best to support you. It also gives us a chance to thank you if you do decide to remember the charity in your will.

Please be assured that any information you provide is completely confidential and in no way legally binding.

If you would like to leave a gift in your will or have already done so and would like to let us know, please contact us at fundraising@retailtrust.org.uk

Leave a gift in memory

Celebrate the life of a loved one

In addition to gifts in wills, donating in memory is a special way to commemorate the life of your loved one and leave a lasting tribute. Your donation could help us transform lives for good.

Donate

Hold a funeral collection

A unique and meaningful way to leave a gift in memory is for family, friends and colleagues to hold a collection at a funeral, often in lieu of flowers. You could also host a dedicated event to remember the life of a loved one.

One of the simplest ways to donate online is through JustGiving. Set up a dedicated donation page in memory of your loved one and share the link with family members and friends.

Take part in a sponsored event

Take part in a sponsored run, walk or challenge event and raise money for the Retail Trust. If you want to organise a specific event, we can help you to do this. Please get in touch with us at fundraising@retailtrust.org.uk