Both our hospitals evolved in an age where the survival of medical institutions depended entirely on the kindness of benefactors. From our earliest days, we’ve been very fortunate to be remembered in the wills of our supporters.

Take the extraordinary example of Miss Cordelia Read who, in 1871, left her spinet to the Brompton Hospital. Her will was discovered inside the instrument, leaving her entire estate to the hospital. Miss Read’s gift was used to build the South Block on Fulham Road (above), which remains an integral part of the hospital to this day.

Other early benefactors left money to buy a harmonium on wheels to be taken around the hospital to entertain patients, and paintings to set up a gallery; money to send a female patient on a fortnight’s holiday; and donations towards tuberculosis research.

Times may have changed, but a gift in your will remains as important today as it was then. A legacy can be large or small; it can be a set sum or a share of your estate. Every gift in every will, whatever the size, makes a difference to our work and we’re very grateful to everyone who chooses to help us in this way.

After you’ve remembered your family and friends in your will, you may want to show your support for our charity. If you’ve already decided to include a gift in your will, please let us know.

Remember that you should always consult a professional, independent adviser when drawing up your will.

Help us plan for the future by including a gift in your will today.  To find out more, please download the form below.