Free Wills Month: The story of Rose’s legacy

How did you first hear about ActionAid’s work?  

 

 

“I began supporting ActionAid when my son was 5 years old. He used to ask for 20p each week to take into school as his class were supporting a child through a charity. He used to come home with letters and updates from the child…I read more about ActionAid and the work they do to support young children around the world and I decided that I wanted to set up a sponsorship for my son."

Why did you choose to continue supporting ActionAid throughout your life?  

“As my son got older…I took over [the sponsorship] and would write messages to the child that we supported and loved receiving the updates from her, I still remember her name to this day!  

I’ve loved receiving programme updates and reading stories about how ActionAid have supported individuals to start up their own businesses – this is the best way in my opinion to change the world for good. If people have equal economic and educational opportunities, then they will drive change for their communities and have sustainable impact.”  

Why did you decide to leave a gift in your Will?  

“I feel strongly that if you are in a position to give back a bit, you have a duty to do so as so many people around the world are living in such difficult conditions and circumstances. We need to strive for equal opportunities as much as possible in areas where poverty is rife, and I feel that ActionAid is helping to do this. 

I also hope this will influence other people, such as my son and his family, to support charities that need it. My son brought ActionAid into my life, and I want him to know how important ActionAid has been throughout my life.” 

Girls' future is at risk without investment in their education. Gifts in Wills help to ensure that we tackle the barriers preventing girls from accessing their education.

Tendai Marima / ActionAid

Why do you think leaving a gift in your Will is so important for future generations of women and girls? 

In so many countries, the potential of women and girls is overlooked by not having the same educational rights, and due to communities upholding traditional values that oppress women and girls. If women and girls can receive an education from a young age and if the opportunities are set up for them to go into the profession of their choosing after school, women and girls can have an incredible and positive impact on their societies. I feel confident that the gift I leave in my Will to ActionAid is one of the best ways to ensure this will happen for future generations.” 

What do you hope to see the money you have left in your Will achieve? 

“One of the things that caught my attention about ActionAid was the way it addresses so many issues and different areas. Most charities I support will focus on one thing, for example campaigning for change or a specific project area. However, ActionAid seems to cover all these bases, and I feel that my support of ActionAid and the gift I have left in my Will to them will have the most encompassing and wide-ranging impact of all.”