Every year, The Stroke Association receives more than a third of its funds from legacies - gifts left to us in the Wills of our supporters. The smallest gift can make an enormous difference to the 150,000 people whose life is been turned upside down by stroke in the UK every year.

When Joan Kroc died of brain cancer in late 2003, no one thought this unassuming suburban widow would have left a huge legacy. Perhaps huge is not the right word to use in this instance, colossal is - around US$2 billion had been left in her Will to promote philanthropy work around the world. Not bad for the widow of the man who started selling 15¢ hamburgers under a yellow arch in Illinois many moons ago and whose business went on to become one of the most recognised brands on earth – McDonald’s. One thing was clear, Mrs Kroc had been planning for some time in dealing with the distribution of her wealth to her loved ones and causes that were close to her heart. Legacies are not impulsive gifts – they are gifts that are mainly given after a good deal of thought.

But to many of us, leaving a gift through a Will is perhaps an alien concept. Indeed many adults are still carrying on with their lives without having a valid Will just because we don’t like to think about it. We all know it’s important to have an up-to-date Will. Alas writing our ‘last Will and Testament’ is often seen as time-consuming, expensive and even as tempting fate! It’s no wonder many people put it off. However, without a legally valid and up-to-date Will, the state will divide your money and possessions according to strict legal guidelines, with results that might not be what you would have wished. Also, several life events may make it advisable to write or amend your Will, including marriage (or remarriage), divorce and the birth of children or grandchildren.

Last year, The Stroke Association received £5.6 million from gifts left to us in the wills of supporters. Every single legacy helped us to fund vital research projects, produce and supply much needed information and support thousands of patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Because remembering a charity in your will doesn’t cost you a penny during your lifetime and it won’t affect your standard of living. But it will make an enormous difference to the lives of patients and carers who follow in your footsteps.

For a limited period, if you are aged 60 or over and would like to make or update your Will, The Stroke Association Free Will Scheme offers you the chance to see a participating solicitor who will draw up your Will free of charge. The fees for this service will be paid by The Stroke Association.

For more information on leaving a legacy to The Stroke Association, please contact Azizah Aziz on 020 7566 0349 or email legacy@stroke.org.uk