A WORCESTER-based national charity is asking people to think about making a will.

Some 50 per cent of the UK population die without ever having made a will, yet making a last will can benefit not only family but also charities. Legacies are the single biggest source of income to UK charities, amounting in total to £1.3 billion per year, and legacies make a huge difference to any charity, helping its work and care.

Tony Gavin, chief executive of Leukaemia CARE, which is based in Blackpole, Worcester, said: "While this is always a delicate subject, we find that many patients we have helped want to thank us in this way and in doing so they allow us to continue the work we offer, enabling us to help others after they have gone.

"Remembering a charity in your will can make an enormous difference, and we wholeheartedly thank those who choose to give in this way."

Legacy donations to charities such as Leukaemia CARE can be as large or small as the individual likes. However much is given there will not be any inheritance tax on the gift.

Leukaemia CARE offers care and support for those patients living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, Hodgkins and the allied blood disorders.

For information on Leukaemia CARE, for both patients, their families and health professionals, call the free 24 hour CARE line on 0800 1696680, or to find out more about legacy giving or becoming a volunteer for the charity, please call 01905 755977 or visit www.leukaemiacare. org.uk For information on fund-raising for Leukaemia CARE call 0870 7743667 or visit www. raise4 leukaemia.org.uk. For information on charity giving in your will, visit www. rememberacharity.org.uk