Legacy donations, the gifts individuals leave in their Wills, represent a cornerstone of funding for hospice care services. For Moya Cole Hospice, these contributions are absolutely vital to their ongoing operations and future sustainability, forming a substantial portion of the donations received annually.
The Significance of Legacy Gifts
These gifts enable the hospice to continue providing comprehensive care to patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Many people choose to include the hospice in their Will as a way to make a meaningful donation that they might not be able to afford during their lifetime, ensuring their support continues beyond their years.
Impact on Hospice Services
Legacy and in-memory donations collectively account for approximately one third of all donations received by Moya Cole Hospice. This significant funding stream directly supports the care provided to patients, helping to finance essential services including day therapy programmes and Hospice @ Home provisions.
The hospice acknowledges that without these gifts from Wills, they simply would not be able to maintain their daily operations and keep their doors open to those in need.
Common Motivations for Legacy Giving
Frequently, individuals who have witnessed the quality of care provided by the hospice first-hand decide to include the organisation in their Will as a way to give something back. While media attention often focuses on exceptionally large or unusual bequests, the reality is that most legacy gifts received are modest in individual value.
The Collective Power of Smaller Gifts
It is the cumulative effect of these numerous smaller donations that creates a transformative impact on patient care. Even dedicating just 1% of an estate to the hospice can make a profound difference, while leaving 99% for family and loved ones. The hospice consistently advises people to prioritise providing for their families first, but highlights how a small percentage can have an outsized effect on their services.
Practical Considerations and Benefits
For those with larger estates, there are notable tax advantages associated with charitable giving through a Will. The process for leaving a gift is straightforward: individuals simply need the hospice's official name and registered charity number. Gifts of any size are welcomed and collectively contribute to the love, support, and specialised care the hospice delivers.
Moya Cole Hospice delivers holistic palliative care from its bases in Heald Green, Stockport, and Little Hulton, Salford. Their services encompass inpatient care, day therapy, and supportive outpatient programmes. The organisation also runs extensive community outreach, including a Hospice at Home service in Salford and Trafford, a Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and a dedicated palliative care service for Manchester's homeless population. A 24-hour advice line is available for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals across Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
