A gift of hope for future generations
Margaret and her husband John have chosen to include a gift in their Wills to Save the Children.
Giving a future of hope for generations of children to come, no matter where they live or their background.
Here Margaret explains why supporting Save the Children with a legacy is important to her.
A lifelong belief in fairness
Margaret, 68, is a retired university lecturer who’s always had a strong sense of justice. Her decision to leave a gift in her will to Save the Children began with a moment that changed her perspective forever.
"There are certain values that you are taught as a child – about sharing and giving and trying not to be too selfish.
My parents were compassionate, caring people who taught me that there were children who were a lot worse off than me."
As a child Margaret remembers being deeply affected by news stories and images of children who were severely malnourished as a result of conflict in Biafra, Nigeria.
"I seem to remember giving some pocket money towards the emergency aid appeals,” she says. “From then on, I developed an ethos of supporting others."
That early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to helping others. As her career progressed and she had more disposable income, Margaret began donating monthly to Save the Children—drawn to our values and our impact.
Children and mothers affected by civil war and famine in Biafra, Nigeria, at Save the Children's clinic.
Choosing to leave a legacy to Save the children
When Margaret and her husband John sat down to write their wills, they knew they wanted their legacy to reflect the causes closest to their hearts. With no children of their own and nieces and nephews financially secure, they chose to leave substantial gifts to charity.
I trust Save the Children. I’ve seen how they work—strategically, systemically, and most importantly, with children themselves.
Seeing the impact first-hand
In 2017, Margaret visited our programmes in Tanzania as a legacy ambassador. What she saw confirmed everything she believed in: children being consulted on policies that affect them, communities being supported to lead their own change, and a charity that works at both grassroots and government levels.
They listen. They empower. They shift power to communities to drive change.
I trust save the children
For Margaret, trust is critical. It’s about knowing her gift in her Will to Save the Children will be used in the right way. With her experience and knowledge of our work, it’s something she’s confident about.
“I have witnessed at first hand how the charity work and I trust Save the Children with my money – that they will spend it wisely to support children around the world.”
A gift that reflects her values
Margaret is passionate about children’s rights and believes every child should have the freedom to grow, thrive, and shape their own future.
"I have always had a strong sense of fair play. I get really, really upset about injustice. There are so many tragic things around the world that it's hard sometimes to maintain hope for the future."
“Children should be free to grow up and carve out their own future... I would like to see children have more freedom to develop... and use their talents.”
Her legacy is more than a financial gift—it’s a reflection of her values, her hope, and her belief in a better world for children.
“It’s important to invest in children’s futures because they are the future of the world.”
Finding joy in the little things
Margaret also believes in holding onto the joy and wonder of childhood.
“I’m firmly of the view that you have to enjoy the small things. Like you did when you were little. Like ice cream. My favourite is Mr Whippy. The flake? I can take it or leave it. It’s the ice cream I love.”
Want to learn more? Request your Free Gifts in Wills Guide
Margaret’s story is a powerful reminder that leaving a gift in your will can be a meaningful way to create lasting change.
It’s a promise to children everywhere—that someone believes in their future.
We’ve made it our mission to help children – especially those at risk of being left behind – get a healthy start, be safe from harm, and have the chance to learn.
But we cannot do this alone. Every year, legacies from gifts in Wills generate millions of pounds, helping us invest in ground-breaking programmes, helping children and communities in the UK and around the world.
We're here to help
If you want to talk to someone at Save the Children about leaving a gift in your Will or administering a Will, please contact us on 020 7012 6400 or email us at [email protected]
