A Small Gift can make a Big Difference
Leave a legacy and make life more manageable for someone with Motor Neurone Disease.
You don’t need to be wealthy to give a significant gift to people affected by MND and you can make a substantial contribution that costs nothing during your lifetime.
A will tells people what should happen to your money, property, and belongings after you die.
Once you’ve looked after your family and loved ones, you can also choose to leave a gift to a charity like IMNDA.
A solicitor can help you make or update your will so everything is done properly and ensure you choose the option that is right for you.
However, much you choose to leave is up to you but please be assured that every legacy counts, no matter how large or small.
Types of Legacies
1. A Gift of Money (Pecuniary Gift)
This is when you leave a specific amount of money to IMNDA — for example, €100, €1,000, or any amount you choose.
Remember, any amount, whatever you can afford after family and friends are taken care of, is greatly appreciated.
2. A Share of What’s Left (Residuary Gift)
After your bills, taxes, and gifts to family are taken care of whatever is left is your residue.
You can choose to leave IMNDA a percentage or fraction of that remainder — for example, 5% of what’s left.
These kind of gifts are enormously valuable in supporting our work long into the future.
3. A Small Update to Your Existing Will (Codicil)
If you already have a will, you don’t need to rewrite it from scratch.
A solicitor can add a short document called a “codicil” to include a new gift.
Why should I make a will?
Making a will is one of the most thoughtful ways to care for the people you love. It gives you the chance to clearly say what should happen to your money, your home, and your treasured belongings — and it ensures your wishes are respected when you’re no longer here to express them.
A will also gives you the opportunity to leave a gift to a cause close to your heart, if you choose to do so.
Without a will, important decisions about your estate are made by others, and not always in the way you would have wanted. Putting your wishes in writing helps protect your loved ones from uncertainty.
Tax rules can have a big impact on what your family receives. Leaving a gift to charity is exempt from tax, which can help reduce the overall tax bill on your estate so more goes exactly where you want it to.
Making a will is much easier than many people expect. A simple phone call to a solicitor can get everything started, and most solicitors offer will‑writing as a straightforward, everyday service. Taking that small step now brings peace of mind — for you, and for the people you care about most.
Care until a cure - why leave a gift to the IMNDA?
Until the day we achieve our vision of a world free from Motor Neurone Disease, the IMNDA is here to stand beside every person and family facing this illness, providing the best care and support we possibly can.
By choosing to leave a gift in your will you help give the IMNDA long‑term stability, ensuring that no matter where someone lives or what their financial situation may be, they can access the vital services they need for as long as they need them. More than 85% of our income comes from the kindness of people like you, who choose to make a lasting difference.
After you’ve taken care of your family and friends, remembering the IMNDA in your will is a deeply meaningful way to support families who are coming to terms with a life‑changing diagnosis. Your legacy becomes a gift of comfort, care, and hope — now and for generations to come. Thank you.
You don’t have to tell us that you have decided to leave a gift in your Will but we would love you to. Informing us lets you direct your legacy to a part of our work that is closest to your heart, which may add meaning for you. It also lets us thank you, in your lifetime…
To get in touch contact Gemma on gwatts@imnda.ie or call 01 670 5942.
For some people getting out to a solicitors office just isn’t an option but please don’t let that stop you from making your Will if it’s something you feel you should do. www.lawonline.ie was set up to enable people to draft their own legal documents online. By using this website you can draft a wide range of legal documents, including making or amending your Will. without leaving your home.
The IMNDA is a member of My Legacy, for more information on their work please visit www.mylegacy.ie. My Legacy month takes place every September.
