For executors and solicitors

We know that administering an estate can be a daunting and complicated process.

If you've been trusted to administer someone's will and they've left us a gift — we're here to help. 

How to pay a legacy gift

All our gifts in wills are looked after by our Gifts in Wills team. They are the only people authorised to give a proper receipt and discharge to executors.

Gifts restricted to one of our service or for a specific purpose should still be sent to this address. This enables our wonderful care staff to devote more of their time to their work. We will, of course, make sure that the funds are restricted for the location or purpose specified in the will.

Paying by cheque

If you are paying a legacy gift by cheque please make it payable to ‘Leonard Cheshire’ and send to:

Leonard Cheshire

Gifts in Wills Team (Administration)

66 South Lambeth Road

London SW8 1RL

When you send a legacy cheque, we'd be very grateful if you could also include:

  • The full name and title of the deceased
  • Their last address – we want to be sure we don’t send any further mailings as we know this can be quite upsetting during this difficult time
  • The date of death
  • The Executor’s name and contact details
  • A copy of the will
  • The story behind the legacy, if known

Please be assured that your details as executor will not be added to any mailing lists.

Other ways to pay

If you'd prefer to make a payment by means other than cheque, please get in touch with us on legacyadmin@leonardcheshire.org.

Gifts in wills and tax exemption

As a registered charity, we're exempt from inheritance tax, capital gains tax and some aspects of income tax. These exemptions apply to legacy gifts and estate administration and can increase the value of a gift at no cost to any other beneficiary.

The rules are complex, so to avoid the estate paying more tax than necessary, please get in touch. Alternatively, you may also find HMRC's website and helpline (0845 302 0900) useful.

Charity details

Charity details are required in all wills written by a solicitor.

Executors will find this helpful when ensuring any gift left to the Leonard Cheshire reaches us.

  • Registered charity no: 218186 (England and Wales) and SC005117 (Scotland)
  • Head Office address: 66 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL
  • Our previous address: 30 Millbank London SW1P 4QD

Any questions?

Please get in touch by emailing legacyadmin@leonardcheshire.org.

Guidance notes for Lay (non-professional) Executors

Institute of Legacy Management have put together information for executors where a will contains a legacy to a registered charity.

You can also find more guidance about probate on The Law Society website.