For 60 years we have helped change the lives and futures of people living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and related conditions. None of this work is possible without the kindness of supporters and for many, the most lasting and meaningful way to help is to leave a legacy to Shine in their Wills.

Writing a Will is an important step towards making sure your wishes can be respected. Once you have taken care of your family and friends, it’s also the perfect way to ensure that a charity like Shine can continue to be there for the people and families who will need us in the future. 

When you choose to leave a gift in your Will to Shine, you create a lasting legacy that transforms lives. Your charitable donation, large or small, ensures our free vital support for people living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and related conditions continues for generations to come. 

Why Your Gift Matters

Your gift would help fund the services that matter most to our community: 

  • Specialist advisors providing one-to-one support 
  • Health and education advocacy 
  • Support groups connecting people with shared experiences 
  • Research advancing medical understanding and treatments

Through your legacy, you become part of Shine's future, helping ensure no one faces spina bifida or hydrocephalus alone. 

Writing your Will

Many people have straightforward circumstances where a simple Will works well. However, professional legal advice becomes particularly important if you have: 

  • Complex family relationships 
  • Property abroad 
  • A business 
  • Concerns about inheritance tax 
  • Dependents who need special care arrangements  

You may wish to speak with a solicitor to ensure your Will is properly arranged. They'll help you include the correct legal wording so your wishes are carried out exactly as you intend.  
If you don't currently have a solicitor, The Law Society can help you find one in your area: 

There can be a lot to think about when it comes to making or adapting your Will.  

We've answered your most frequently asked questions here

How to write or update your Will

Find out about Shine's free Will service

Request your guide to leaving a legacy

The benefits are twofold... 

Many years ago we were personally touched by spina bifida, and have been active supporters of Shine’s fundraising ever since, to help other people benefit from the help that Shine gives. We feel that gifts left in our wills as a legacy will continue to provide funds long after we have gone… The benefits are twofold as they reduce the inheritance tax for our relatives and provide much needed help to the charity.(Mrs L, Legacy Pledger)   

 

Our pledge to you

We understand that leaving a gift to Shine in your Will is a big commitment and one that we take very seriously.  Your Will is obviously a very personal matter, and everyone has their own reasons for wanting to help Shine.  That is why we make a legacy pledge of our own to anyone who chooses to support us in this way. 

  • Shine promises to use your gift in the best way, to maximise impact and benefit as many people with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus as possible, including their families and carers 
  • We will respect your privacy at all times and we understand that your Will is completely personal to you 
  • We understand that family and friends will always come first 
  • We recognise you have the absolute right to change your mind about any gift in your Will, at any time and for any reason 
  • You are under no obligation to tell us about your plans, but any information you choose to share with us will be treated confidentially and with the utmost sensitivity.  We would also love to be able to thank you personally 
  • We promise to keep you up-to-date with our life changing work in a way that suits you 

If you would like to know more about supporting Shine through a gift in your will, please contact us on 01733 555988 or fundraising@shinecharity.org.uk

 
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