Leave a legacy gift to Heroes of every generation

How could a gift in my Will help?

Almost a third of our work is funded by the legacy gifts kindly left to us by wonderful friends like you. Without legacies we simply would not be able to help as many people as we do, or promise them lifelong support.

Our beneficiaries often have complex needs so the specialist staff in our recovery centres and outreach teams provide a wide range of services. Through your gift you could help supply careers guidance and mentoring to help former military personnel find a new vocation and provide for their family, or you could help our psychological wellbeing team offer counselling to those suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues.

A gift in your Will could fund specialist equipment to help injured Veterans live independently or support families as they adapt to life with their loved one’s injury. Your legacy could enable someone to try adaptive sports for the first time, help our Welfare team offer free and confidential guidance or support our fellowship networks as they help individuals and families to rebuild their lives.

Recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about restoring confidence and renewing hope. It takes time, understanding, expert staff, specialist equipment and a willingness to walk alongside each individual for as long as their recovery journey takes. It also takes the help and encouragement of caring, committed and loyal friends like you.

How can I leave a gift?

When you next come to make or update your Will and have provided for your family and friends, please take a moment to imagine the difference you could make by leaving a gift to our Heroes. Every gift, large or small, can change the life of a Serviceman or woman who has served our country with pride but paid a high price.

Please download our legacy factsheet for more information about the different types of gift you can leave, our registered details and suggested wording your solicitor might like to use. If you have any questions at all about Will-writing, legacies or any aspect of our work, our legacy team are always happy to help so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Call: 01725 514103                 Email: legacies@helpforheroes.org.uk

Post: Beth Brook, Legacy Team, Help for Heroes, 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3RB

Our legacy factsheet contains lots of useful information. Find out more about the different types of gift you can leave, our registered details and helpful wording for your solicitor. If you have any questions or need more help, please get in touch with us.

Two of our amazing supporters, Neil and Jacqui Hogg, have chosen to leave a gift to Help for Heroes in their Will. Hear more about the support they have already given and why they want to continue helping Veterans and their families in the future.

Jeanne’s Legacy of Love and Care

Jeanne Franks was born in West Yorkshire in 1933. Her family moved to Hertfordshire when she was at primary school, but the outbreak of World War II saw young Jeanne evacuated to Cumbria for safety.

“It was during this time Mum learnt the damage and distress war causes for individuals and families,” explains her daughter, Ann. “She avoided danger by being sent away but lost a much-loved step brother towards the end of the war.”

On leaving school Jeanne became a shorthand typist, working at the De Havilland (later Hawker Siddley) aircraft factory. It was there she met her husband-to-be, George.

“Dad had completed his National Service with the Fleet Air Arm and Mum enjoyed hearing of his travels and adventures. They were married in 1955 after a whirlwind romance! I think this close personal link led to Mum’s interest in Help for Heroes.”

George and Jeanne had three children and lived most of their married life in the same house. Money was short but Jeanne always put others’ needs before her own. When George suddenly passed away, aged only 51, she worked hard to maintain normal family life for the children. “Once again Mum was reminded how precious life and family are,” reflects Ann.

In her retirement Jeanne became interested in family history, learning about their long connection with the armed forces. She discovered George’s father had served in the Air Flying Corps during the First World War, and her older stepbrothers had joined the Army during WWII.

“It was at this time Mum became aware of Help for Heroes. She enjoyed chatting to servicemen and women when they were collecting in shopping centres. There was one particular occasion when, having made her donation, the soldier gave her an enormous hug and requested a photograph of himself with her. That made her day!

“She recognised the dangers service personnel face and the sacrifices they make for others. As a mother and grandmother, she imagined how she might have felt if one of her children had been injured, and she knew first hand what it was like to bring up a family alone.”

Aged 82, Jeanne moved to South Wales be nearer her daughter. Despite the upset she must have felt at selling her family home, she still thought of others and made a donation to Help for Heroes. Even after a fall in which she broke her hip, Jeanne refused to be a burden and remained cheerful. But it was while recovering in hospital that her life came to a gentle and unexpected close. 

“Mum was very independent and never wanted to be a burden”, remembers Ann. “I think she recognised that injured servicemen and women also want and deserve their independence and dignity.”

After a lifetime of caring for others, Jeanne provided for her family and favourite causes one last time, kindly leaving a gift in her Will to support our vital work. As Ann explains, “Mum left her legacy in recognition of the sacrifice service men and women make so that others can live safely and happily.”

Jeanne is greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, and through her legacy, she continues to help the armed forces family she cared about. 

CONTACT US

Call: 01725 514103                
Email: legacies@helpforheroes.org.uk

Post: Beth Brook, Legacy Team, Help for Heroes, 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3RB