We appreciate that carrying out a loved one’s wishes can be a daunting task, and we’re very grateful to anyone who takes on this responsibility.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or a friend or family member doing this for the first time, we hope you’ll find our Advice for Executors factsheet useful.

In it you’ll find an overview of the information we’re required to ask for, depending on the type of gift we’ve been left, and our contact details in case you’d like to get in touch.

ADVICE FOR EXECUTORS 

The prospect of taking care of a loved one’s estate can be daunting but, with the right information and a bit of preparation, you will be able to carry out your family member or friend’s last wishes correctly and in keeping with the law and regulations.If you are the executor of a Will in which we have been mentioned, we hope you’ll find this information helpful when dealing with the estate. 

What to do if we have been left a gift

We know from personal experience that being an executor isn’t easy but please rest assured that your hard work, patience and help are greatly appreciated.

Our Legacy Case Manager, Zena, is experienced in estate administration, so we can offer you guidance on the responsibilities of an executor in estates where charities are named as beneficiaries.

We can’t give you legal advice but we explain what you need to know, signpost you to information and help you to avoid some of the more common pitfalls.

We’re always happy to help so please do get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. You can call Zena Hitchings on 0300 303 9888 or email legacies@helpforheroes.org.uk

MY PARENT’S LEGACY TO OUR ARMED FORCES FAMILY

Bob holding photo of his father
"My legacy is a tribute to my parents." - Bob Cubitt

Long after the war was over, there were still ghosts that haunted my father.”

Bob Cubitt

Executor

“Both my parents served in World War II. My father didn’t talk about his experiences as a Commando but the mental scars remained. Nowadays he’d almost certainly be diagnosed with PTSD.

“When a friend of ours was seriously injured in Afghanistan, my mother realised he’d need support for the rest of his life, so she decided to leave some money to the Charity in her Will. As her Executor, I was proud to carry out her wishes; and finding out more about the charity’s work has prompted me to include them in my own Will.

“If we’re going to ask people to fight for us, we’ve got to be prepared to look after them afterwards. And no-one does that better than Help for Heroes.

“My legacy is a tribute to my parents but it’s also for everyone who needs help in the future.”

EMAIL OUR LEGACY TEAM

If you are an Executor and have questions, please email legacies@helpforheroes.org.uk

Executors factsheet PDF

Useful links