Marianne's story. From Christmas donations to a lasting legacy.

Marianne has donated to the Crisis at Christmas campaign for the last few years and this year she has asked her grown-up children to do the same, instead of buying gifts for her.  Here she tells us a little more about her life and how she recently decided to support Crisis in another way. 

“My career has been spent working in administrative roles in many different sectors; an IT company, a Further Education College and latterly the Police.  I am now retired and volunteer in the garden at a local hospital, helping restore what was once a beautiful green space. 

“I live in the Welsh countryside surrounded by nature, and this has been reflected in a number of animal and bird charities that I support.  The Crisis Christmas appeal came through the letterbox some years ago and I decided it was time to support a charity that helps people.  We don’t see much visible evidence of homelessness where I live, but I know that it’s a serious issue nationally. 

“I really admire those who work on the front line. Living in a remote village, I’m not able to help physically, but I’m doing what I can from a distance.  During the pandemic, I know that homeless people were given emergency accommodation, but it seems like the situation is worse again now.  And the recent floods have caused more people to lose their homes – there are so many factors contributing to homelessness. 

“My children are both in their 40s now, and I have two grandsons. Recently, I realised that it had been many years ago since I made my Will.  Now that my circumstances have changed, it seemed like a good time to get it updated.  My solicitor pointed out that leaving donations to charity can reduce any potential liability to inheritance tax. 

“I’ve included a gift to Crisis in my updated Will, so that they can help someone facing homelessness in the future.” 

If you wish to find out more information about leaving a gift in your Will, contact George Shelley on george.shelley@crisis.org.uk or 07814 654362.