Remember A Charity Week (7–13 September) is a week when charities across the UK come together to say thank you to the people who’ve chosen to leave a gift in their Will, and to talk about why those gifts matter so much. There’s no better moment to share the story of how a legacy gift shaped PMRGCAuk from the very beginning, and the difference yours could make in the future.
PMRGCAuk exists today because of one generous gift, left in a Will many years ago.
That single act of kindness helped us set up our free telephone helpline, build our website, and establish support groups right across the country, resources that thousands of people living with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) have relied on ever since.
It’s a powerful reminder that one gift, given with real thought and generosity, can shape the future for generations.
Janice, one of our members and trustee, told us:
“PMRGCAuk was a lifeline for me when I was struggling and had no idea how to manage my PMR. I would like to remember the charity in my Will as a thank you for being there for me”
For many people, PMRGCAuk is the first place they turn to after diagnosis. We work hard every day to be the source of guidance and support that makes those early, overwhelming days feel a little easier to navigate, and gifts left in Wills are what make that possible, for today’s members and for those diagnosed years from now.
Why people choose to leave a legacy
Leaving a gift in your Will is a deeply personal decision, and it doesn’t need to be a large sum to make a difference. Our legacy gifts come not from the wealthy alone, but from generous people – many of whom have PMR or GCA themselves – who simply want others to feel safer and better supported than they might otherwise have been.
Dorothy, one of our members, told us:
“I am leaving a legacy to PMRGCAuk because it was a lifeline to me when I was diagnosed. Meeting other people who had the same condition but had found ways to live a good life gave me a huge sense of relief.”
The difference your gift makes
Legacy gifts are already transforming lives today, and every pledge builds a safer, more supported future for the people we help tomorrow, and for the generations still to be diagnosed.
A gift in your Will helps us make sure no one faces PMR or GCA alone. It keeps our helpline running, strengthens our support groups, improves access to trusted information, and protects people from avoidable sight loss by raising awareness of GCA’s emergency symptoms.
This Remember A Charity Week, if you’re thinking about leaving a gift to PMRGCAuk in your Will, we’d love to hear from you and we promise never to put you under any pressure.
Our Making a Gift in Your Will leaflet has everything you need to get started, or you can get in touch via our email info@pmrgca.org.uk or by calling 0300 999 5090.
Download Our Legacy Leaflet
