Dougie Mac Explains the Importance of Legacy Gifts to Hospices

Hospice UK recently revealed that almost 6,000 hospice nurses are paid for by legacy gifts in Wills per year across the UK. The figure comes as a coalition of 143 British hospices, including Dougie Mac, continues its landmark “This is Hospice Care” campaign. The national initiative aims to highlight the impact that hospices have on the people they help and their families.

Launched in February, is raising awareness about the vital role hospices play in communities while encouraging more people to consider leaving a gift in their Will to their chosen hospice.

Fiona Chater, Head of Legacy and Trust fundraising at Dougie Mac, said: “Gifts in Wills continue to be a

significant income source for Dougie Mac and knowing we have funds we can rely on in the future means we can make plans to ensure our specialist care services are available for years to come. We’re thrilled to be part of this important campaign that not only highlights the critical work we do, but also the lasting impact that gifts in Wills can have.

“Writing a Will isn’t the easiest thing to think about, which is why our Make a Will months, in May and October each year, aim to make the process as simple as possible. Our panel of local solicitors will draft a basic Will or amend an existing Will free of charge for anyone who is planning to leave a donation to Dougie Mac.” Many people still associate hospices solely with end-of-life care, unaware of the full spectrum of support they provide – from pain management and family counselling, to helping people with life-limiting conditions live as fully as possible. This campaign hopes to challenge these perceptions, by showcasing the true breadth of what hospice care really is, and inspire more people to consider donating to their chosen hospice in their Wills.

For Example: Dougie Mac’s Children’s Services have supported Elizabeth’s daughter, Katie, since the age of three. Now in her twenties, Katie – who lives with Cerebral Palsy – continues to benefit from both day and respite care through the hospice’s Young Adult Services.

Elizabeth has chosen to leave a gift in her Will to Dougie Mac as a thank you for the care and support her family has received over the last two decades. She said: “Dougie Mac has been a lifeline. It’s been like an extended family to me, and that’s why leaving a legacy felt like the right thing to do. I may not be in a position to give right now, but by including Dougie Mac in my Will, I can say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ and give something back in the future.”

For more information about This is Hospice Care campaign or to find out how you can support Dougie

Mac, please visit www.dougiemac.org.uk/gifts-in-will or contact Dougie Mac’s Legacy team on 01782 344308 or wills@dmhospice.org.uk

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Dougie Mac explains the importance of legacy gifts to hospices across the UK - created 27.9.25