Today, My Legacy launched My Legacy Week 2016 which takes place Monday 31st October – Sunday 6th November (the month of remembrance).

My Legacy Week is an annual awareness week during which Irish people are reminded of the importance of making their will and asked to consider including a legacy gift to a charity they care about.

While Ireland ranks as the 9th most generous country in the world(2) My Legacy research revealed that only 12% of Irish people plan to leave money to a charity(3).

Amarach research, conducted on behalf of My Legacy, revealed today that many people regret the things they didn’t do – a quarter of those surveyed (24%) say that if they died tomorrow their biggest regret would be worrying too much, while 1 in 5 (21%) wish they had let themselves be happier(1).

The research also showed that people’s single biggest concern about dying is that their family won’t be provided for (27%)(1), yet data also shows that only 30% of people living in Ireland have made a will(3), while just half have engaged with any of the practicalities around preparing for their own death, from making a will to discussing their wishes with family(3).

Fergal O’Sullivan, Chairperson of My Legacy said “Established in 2003, My Legacy is an umbrella group of over 50 Irish charities who know the positive impact a legacy gift can have on the work of a charity. We also all know the importance of making a will and we ask people to consider leaving a legacy to a favourite charity, once all other personal decisions have been made. A legacy can be large or small and is a positive way to continue to support a cause that means a lot to you.

Bernadette Parte, Solicitor at Parte and Associates said “Many Irish people are afraid to make a will; I think people believe that if they do they will be hit by a bus the next morning. In my many years of helping people prepare their will, this has never happened. Making a will is nothing to be afraid of and it will provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

A will ensures that your wishes will be clear and carried out after your death, and that the people and causes you cared about in life will be looked after you are gone. I would advise everyone to make their will today. It’s a very important personal document and Best Will Week is a great time to do it.”

Noelle Clancy is a mother of two from Tipperary and a breast cancer survivor. Part of Noelle’s treatment included Herceptin, a drug made possible because of cancer research. Without charitable giving, research like this, and many other important projects, won’t happen. Noelle knows that making a donation to a charity can be life changing. “My cancer was so aggressive, Herceptin was a life saver for me and that was only possible because of cancer research, which brings a huge message of hope. The development of Herceptin was a breakthrough and it is a game changer for many women with breast cancer. I would encourage everyone to leave a legacy gift to a charity – you never know who might benefit.”

This My Legacy Week, My Legacy asks people to support a cause they love by leaving a legacy donation in their will, once family and friends have been provided for. Please make an appointment with your local solicitor today.

Research References
(1) A number of questions were placed on the Amárach Research August omnibus. The omnibus survey is a syndicated survey of 1,000 people, with quotas set on gender, age, social class and region to achieve a sample aligned with national population. The Amárach Research omnibus is completed online. The research went to field August 15th – 17th 2016.

(2) 2015 World Giving Index. https://www.cafonline.org/docs/default-source/about-us-publications/caf_worldgivingindex2015_report.pdf?sfvrsn=2

(3) A number of questions were placed on the Amárach Research August omnibus. The omnibus survey is a syndicated survey of 1,000 people, with quotas set on gender, age, social class and region to achieve a sample aligned with national population. The Amárach Research omnibus is completed online. The research went to field September 5th – 12th 2015.