All this week, the TSA is proud to take part in Remember a Charity Will Week. This special campaign is an important reminder of the impact that leaving a charity gift in your Will can have on people facing the challenges of TSC, now and in the future.

After taking care of family and friends, one of the most meaningful ways you can have a lasting legacy is by including the TSA in your Will. Legacy gifts, no matter what size, are vital to ensuring that we can continue to do everything that we achieve in support and information, research, and advocacy.

The impact of leaving a gift in your Will

By kindly thinking of the TSA and TSC community in your Will, you demonstrate to your loved ones and the wider world an incredibly powerful message: That you want to continue to help others even when you’re no longer around. This can be of great comfort to those close to you.

From the TSA’s perspective, legacy gifts give us the massive opportunity to make a big difference now and to also plan for the future. Gifts in Wills mean that we can plan more effectively, and really think of the ‘big picture’ in TSC. Many of our biggest breakthroughs and projects – such as the major TSC research that we’ve funded – have been thanks to legacy gifts.

Ultimately, your Will gift means that we can do more for individuals and families affected by TSC. This includes being there for someone hearing ‘TSC’ for the first time, campaigning for important new treatments, or funding that next big breakthrough.

A personal story: Barry Gillson’s legacy

Barry and Lizzie

This year’s Remember a Charity campaign is focused on celebrating the unique memories and cherished moments we hold with loved ones. Ingrid Gillson has kindly shared her memories of her late father, Barry Gillson, who left a legacy gift to the TSA. Barry, a long-time supporter of the TSA, left this gift as a tribute to his daughter, Lizzie, who sadly passed away from TSC.

Ingrid recalls: “My Dad had many funny sayings and quips and so did my mum Margaret. Thanks to Dad, my late sister Lizzie, who had TSC, was lovingly known as ‘Lizzie Dripping’ after a TV character. Both my parents were passionate supporters of the TSA. Another word of advice which I think about daily from my parents is “Don’t let them get you down” – I think about this when I am due to face a difficult situation, it gives me strength to face challenges.”

Barry’s generosity, like many others who leave gifts in their Wills, helps ensure that the TSA can continue its work for future generations, supporting more families as they navigate the challenges of TSC.

Facts about leaving a gift in your Will to the TSA

  • You don’t need to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Even a small percentage of your estate or a specific amount can make a significant difference
  • Gifts in Wills generate more than £3 billion annually for charities across the UK – it’s quick and easy to do
  • Just 7% of the UK population have left a gift to charity in their Will. A small increase of just 4% could raise an additional £1 billion for good causes like the TSA
  • 4 in 10 people saw that they’re to leave a small percentage of their Will to a charity after ensuring their loved ones are provided for
  • Gifts in Wills help fund vital services, such as research, advocacy, and support networks, that benefit future generations

By leaving a gift to the TSA, you contribute to our work in ensuring that life with TSC is easier for future generations. Every gift, no matter its size, has a lasting impact.

How to leave a gift to the TSA in your Will

Thinking of the TSA in your Will is a straightforward process. To learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, visit our Legacy page or contact our fundraising team (fundraising@tuberous-sclerosis.org, 0300 222 5737). We’re here to answer any questions you may have.

Everyone at the TSA is hugely thankful for every penny and pound that we receive. However, we never underestimate the massive decision that people make when thinking of us in their Will. Thank you to everyone who has already done this.