Support for you and your loved ones - planning for now and the future
1 Jun 2026, 9 a.m.
We understand that thinking about the future can feel daunting. Whether you're planning ahead for peace of mind, or remembering a loved one in a meaningful way, we're here to support you.
Getting your planning sorted today might be easier than you think. And when you leave a gift in your Will or give in memory, you'll be helping seriously ill children and their families receive extraordinary care for generations to come.
On this page, you'll find practical tools to help you plan ahead, including: writing your Will, where you can store important documents and how Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) can help.
Why planning ahead matters
Taking time to plan ahead can bring reassurance to you and those closest to you, as well as supporting causes close to your heart long into the future. We offer practical tools and guidance to help you prepare with confidence.
What you can do today to plan for the future
1. Write your Will for free
Having a Will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Through any of our three trusted partners, you can write your Will free of charge in a way that suits you.
Here's what you can expect from our free Will-writing service:
- The service is available online, over the phone or face-to-face with a solicitor.
- It's a simple and secure process.
- We can provide you with information about the services available, including the level of legal advice provided.
- There is no obligation to leave a gift – though many supporters choose to.
A gift in your Will, large or small, can help give future generations of children the best chance and the best childhood possible.
Find out more:
Request our free guide
2. Secure document and memory storage
Keeping important documents safe, accessible, and all in one place, can help give you and your family peace of mind.
Through our trusted partners, Legacy Hub, you can securely store important paperwork, including:
- your Will
- legal documents
- personal instructions
Safe, confidential storage ensures everything is easy to find when it matters most.
You can also safely upload precious memories for your loved ones to read or view, ensuring the things that matter most to you are passed on to loved ones.
Planning isn't only about practical documents – it can also be about preserving memories and personal wishes for those you love.
The Legacy Hub app allows you to safely store personal messages, memories and important information for the future.
You can:
- record messages for your loved ones
- store meaningful documents and photos
- keep everything secure in one place
It's a thoughtful way to help ensure your story and wishes are preserved.
Learn about secure document and memory storage options on the Legacy Hub website.
3. In-memory funeral collections
Losing someone you love is incredibly difficult. Many families find comfort in celebrating their life through giving – helping other families and children in the memory of their own loved one. Instead of flowers, many families choose to ask for donations to GOSH Charity at a funeral or memorial service. This is something you can ask your loved ones to do, to remember you in this way.
We can provide:
- collection envelopes
- guidance for funeral directors
- online donation links
- support setting up a tribute page
We're here to help make this as simple and sensitive as possible. Your support will help create brighter futures for children facing serious illness.
Why do this with GOSH Charity?
We understand that planning ahead is deeply personal. That's why we:
- work only with carefully selected, trusted partners
- ensure services are secure and confidential
- never put pressure on you to give
- offer dedicated, compassionate support
Whether you're remembering someone special to you, or planning ahead yourself, your support helps ensure children and families receive world-class care when they need it most.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to leave a gift in my Will to use the free Will service?
- How are my documents kept safe?
- Who can I speak to if I have questions?
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave a gift in my Will to use the free Will service?
No. There is absolutely no obligation to leave a gift. You can write your Will at no cost because GOSH Charity covers the cost of writing a Will.
You can choose the Will writing service that suits you best, whether you'd prefer to write your Will online, over the phone or face-to-face with a qualified professional. This makes writing a last Will simple, flexible and accessible.
There's no obligation to leave a gift in your Will GOSH Charity to use the free service, although many people choose to as a meaningful way to help give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible.
How are my documents kept safe?
Our partners use secure, confidential storage systems designed to protect your information. You can find out more on the Legacy Hub website.
Who can I speak to if I have questions?
Our legacy team is here to help you.
However you choose to plan or remember, your support helps create brighter futures for seriously ill children and their families.
If you'd like to talk things through, we'd love to speak with you.
Please contact our team on 020 3841 3131 or email legacy@gosh.org. We're here to help you explore your legacy planning options and to answer any questions you have.