Gifts in wills

Legacy and Wills

Leave a legacy. What will you leave behind?

Together, we can create lasting change for people living with nystagmus, now and for generations to come.

Funding community. Supporting people living with nystagmus. Changing the future.

Leaving a gift in your will could make a lasting difference in nystagmus research. It could even help to find a cure. What a legacy that would be!

At the Nystagmus Network, we believe in the power of legacy. Not just what you leave behind, but what you build for the future.

For over 40 years we’ve been working to change the story for people living with nystagmus. Through the charity’s extensive investment in research, there have been important developments in diagnostics and understanding the impact of nystagmus. Our research goal is to find effective treatments, prevention and, eventually, a cure.

And we know that the progress we’ve made has only been possible thanks to those who came before us and those who have chosen to leave something behind.

In 2023 the Nystagmus Network received a legacy gift from the late Mrs Rhoda Clarke in the sum of £32,114.71. The gift was made in the name of Mrs Clarke’s great niece, Florence who has albinism and nystagmus. This money has been awarded as a grant to two researchers: Dr Gemma Arblaster and Dr Sonia Toor, lecturers and researchers in Orthoptics at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, for their pioneering research into accommodation and focusing in nystagmus. This important study aims to enhance clinical understanding of how individuals with nystagmus focus on objects at varying distances.

Dr Arblaster says: “We are delighted to have been awarded the research grant from the Nystagmus Network, which has been made possible following a generous donation from the late Mrs Rhoda Clarke.”

Why your legacy matters

Legacy gifts (donations left in wills) are one of the most powerful ways you can support a cause you care about. They account for around 16% of all fundraised income across the UK non profit sector, but they’re not just about how much you give. They’re about the impact you want to leave behind.

A gift in your will to the Nystagmus Network is more than a donation. It’s a commitment to a future.

A gift in your will ensures everyone living with nystagmus is supported.

A gift in your will could fund research which could improve the lives of people living with nystagmus, now and in the future.

Your legacy could help us gain a greater understanding of nystagmus and help us bridge the gap between where we are today and the future we want to build.

How to leave a gift in your will

Contact our will writer, Amanda Harris LLB (Hons) MSWW and write your will for free.

“I have congenital nystagmus and I wish the Nystagmus Network had been around when I was a child. As a Will Writer I am proud to support this wonderful charity.” – Amanda

Amanda is a qualified lawyer, member of The Society of Will Writers and a member of the Nystagmus Network community. She is living with nystagmus. We thank Amanda for her generosity in offering free wills to anyone supported by the Nystagmus Network.

Amanda offers:

• Online or over the phone consultations. Depending on your location she may be able to meet you in person.

• Your first will is free. Any amendments at a later date will be charged from £150.

• Looking for Power of Attorney or Family Trusts? Amanda can do these but there will be a charge from  £350.

• The Will can be printed in large print should you need it.

By phone: 07816 921196

By email: amanda@alhlegal-willwriters.co.uk

Visit her website at www.alhlegal-willwriters.co.uk

Make a will with a solicitor

Write or update a simple will with a local solicitor of your choice.

Use other charities’ free will writing services.

Did you know you can leave gifts to multiple organisations? So when you use another charity’s free will writing service you can leave the Nystagmus Network a gift too. If you do it this way, make sure you let us know, so we can say thank you.

Types of gifts

We understand that family and loved ones come first. But if you are able to remember the  Nystagmus Network in your will, you will be planting seeds of change for today, tomorrow and in the future. You can leave:

• A pecuniary gift is a fixed amount of money you choose to leave.

• A residuary gift is a share (or percentage) of what’s left after other gifts and expenses are taken care of.

Let us say thank you

If you’ve already included the Nystagmus Network in your will, we’d love to know. You don’t need to share details, but letting us know means we can thank you properly, welcome you into our growing community of Legacy Champions and keep you updated on how your gift will help change the lives of people living with nystagmus across the UK. Contact us confidentially at hanni@nystagmusnet.org

Thank you!

Leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.