Leaving a gift to the Irish Heart Foundation gives the chance of a better quality of life to thousands of people and you don’t need to give a large sum to know you have helped. We rely heavily on legacies, especially since they enable us to plan long-term funding for medical research. Many of these projects result in improved treatment for heart disease, which is why legacies are so greatly appreciated.

If you would like to remember the Irish Heart Foundation in your will, there are three kinds of legacy you may leave.

1) RESIDUARY
A residuary legacy is the gift of the residue of your estate, or a share of the residue, after other bequests to your family and friends have been made and all debts, taxes and expenses have been paid. Generally, this kind of legacy is of greatest benefit to us, as its value increases with the value of your estate.

2) PECUNIARY
A pecuniary legacy is a specified sum of money, determined when the will or codicil is written.

3) SPECIFIC
When a particular item of value is bequeathed, this is a specific legacy. This can include stocks and shares, proceeds of a life assurance policy, property, furniture or jewellery.

If you already have a will, it’s easy to amend it to include a gift to the Irish Heart Foundation. Minor changes like this do not require a new will, as an existing will can be amended by completing a codicil, which your solicitor will help you draw up.

Legacies to charity are exempt from tax. So by leaving a gift to your favourite charity, you could substantially reduce the amount of tax payable on your estate.

Your solicitor may find the following wording helpful if you would like to remember the Irish Heart Foundation in your will.

1) For a gift of the residue of an estate:

"I give to the Irish Heart Foundation of 4 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 all (or a fraction) of the residue of my estate whatsoever and wheresoever and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Foundation shall be a full and sufficient discharge of the same".

2) For a gift of a fixed sum or specific item:

"I give the sum of € ……………………….. or I bequeath (the item specified) …………………………….. To the Irish Heart Foundation of 4 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 and I direct that the treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Foundation shall be proper and sufficient discharge for the same".

For a detailed general brochure on bequests, please call the Foundation at Tel 01 6685001 or e-mail your request to astacey@irishheart.ie