Leaving a gift in a will is no longer a rare gesture—it has become a vital source of support for many charities, including RUHX, the official NHS charity for the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. Today, legacy donations account for one-third of RUHX’s income, funding vital patient care and staff support.
RUHX uses these generous legacy gifts to provide everything from cutting-edge medical equipment and pioneering research to small comforts that improve patients' hospital stays. Each year, the charity supports more than 230,000 patients treated across RUH Bath’s hospitals and treatment centers, as well as a wider community of approximately half a million people.
Ms. Mary shared her family’s experience after her late mother, Daphne, left a bequest to RUHX: “Knowing that our mother’s generosity continues to help people undergoing cancer treatment brings us comfort during a difficult time. It’s a positive legacy amid sadness.”
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RUHX encourages everyone to keep their wills up to date, to clearly outline their wishes for their estate, including guardianship of children or pets. Importantly, a will also enables individuals to leave gifts to causes close to their hearts. Gifts of any size contribute significantly, helping RUHX enhance patient care far beyond standard expectations.
Statistics cited by RUHX reveal that in 2024, £4.5 billion was donated to UK charities through legacies, with one in five people including a charitable gift in their will. These heartfelt contributions continue to transform lives and support healthcare advancements at RUH Bath every day.