It’s easy to leave a legacy!

In just three steps, you can help have a lasting impact on children with cleft conditions all around the world.

  1. Download our legacy gift guide You’ll find everything you need to know
  2. Write your will We’ll point you in the right direction for advice
  3. Talk to us Our Legacy and In Memoriam Manager, Pippa Fawcett is here to help

Legacy guide

Our handy guide gives you more information on how to leave a legacy gift in your will.

Joseph, six-years-old. Photo: Jörgen Hildebrandt.

Write your will

We can’t offer legal advice but we can point you in the right direction for advice and support.

Joseph after his life-changing cleft surgery. Photo: Jörgen Hildebrandt

Our legacy manager

Our legacy team is here to help! Get in touch, ask questions, discuss ideas and find out how we can support you.

Pippa Fawcett

Pippa Fawcett

Legacy and In Memoriam Manager

0208 0596 615

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes our legacy booklet, Leave a Smile is available. You can download it or contact our the team on 020 3475 5126 or pippa.fawcett.legacies@operationsmile.org.

No, you do not have to tell us but we would be very pleased if you did. Not only would this allow us to plan ahead but it would give us the opportunity to thank you and to discuss with you how you want to hear from us as a supporter of Operation Smile.

We cannot advise you who to use to write your will but we recommend that you go to a solicitor. The Law Society can tell you the name of a solicitor in your area or you may want to ask friends to recommend someone they have used.

You can appoint whoever you like to act as your executor provided they are over 18. You should ask their permission first as it can take a lot of time. You can also appoint a solicitor or other professional but you should remember that they will charge for their services.

Inheritance tax is paid on an estate at 40% on the amount over the inheritance tax limit. Gifts between husband and wife are exempt from tax as are gifts to charity. A legacy to a charity can effectively reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable.

The first step is to talk to a solicitor or other professional Will writer who can help you draw up your Will or change your existing Will with a codicil. This is a short, amending document for making changes to an existing Will. A codicil still needs to be signed and witnessed by two people just like your Will, these must be over 18 years and cannot be family members. Once completed, the codicil must be kept in a safe place together with your will but not attached to it.

It is a good idea to review your Will every few years. Circumstances change, a marriage, a birth, a retirement can mean you have different needs to consider. Or you may simply change your mind about who you want to give to. Small changes can be made by making a codicil.

Making a Will is the only way you can ensure that you can provide for your loved ones after your death in the way you wish. Even if you think you do not have much to leave you may be surprised at how great your assets are and you will save your loved ones from any additional worry at a very difficult time for them.