Cancer Research UK Free Will Writing: How It Works

Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do — but cost can be a barrier for some families. Charities like Cancer Research UK offer free Will writing services to remove that obstacle. But is a free Will right for everyone? This guide explains how the scheme works, what's included, and when you might need something more.

How the CRUK Free Will Scheme Works

The process is the same as instructing any solicitor. You'll meet face-to-face, discuss your wishes, and the solicitor will draft your Will accordingly. The only difference is who foots the bill.

You can register for the CRUK free Will service on their legacy and free Will writing page.

Who Is Eligible?

The CRUK free Will service is open to all adults over 18 in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. You don't need to be a cancer patient, a previous donor, or have any connection to Cancer Research UK whatsoever. The scheme exists because CRUK knows that people who make a Will are more likely to consider a charitable gift — but there's genuinely no obligation to leave one.

You can use the service up to three times, which is useful if your circumstances change — for example, after a marriage, the birth of a child, or a house move.

What's Included — and What's Not

Yorkshire Cancer Research — A Local Alternative

If you'd prefer to support a charity closer to home, Yorkshire Cancer Research also runs a free Will writing scheme. As a Yorkshire-based charity funding cancer research across the region, they may be a particularly good fit for families in Bridlington and East Yorkshire. The scheme works in much the same way as CRUK's — you register, choose a panel solicitor, and the charity covers the cost.

Other Charity Will Schemes

Several other charities offer similar free Will writing services:

• National Free Wills Network — a partnership of over 100 charities offering free Wills to people aged 55 and over.
• Will Aid (November each year) — solicitors donate their time during November, and you're asked to make a voluntary donation to a group of charities instead of paying a fee.
• Alzheimer's Society — offers a free Will writing service with no obligation to leave a gift, similar to the CRUK scheme.

Pros and Cons of Charity Will Schemes

When a Free Will Isn't Enough

A free Will scheme is a brilliant option for many people — but it's not the right fit for everyone. You may need more than a free service covers if:

• Your estate is likely to exceed the inheritance tax threshold (£325,000, or £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band)
• You want to set up trusts for children or vulnerable beneficiaries
• You own a business or agricultural property
• You're in a second marriage with children from both relationships
• You need property protection trusts to safeguard your share of a jointly owned home

How to Decide What's Right for You

The honest answer is: it depends on your circumstances. If you have a straightforward estate — a home, some savings, and you want everything to go to your spouse and then your children — a free Will scheme is a perfectly good option. If your situation is more complex, or if you're not sure, it's worth having a conversation with a solicitor before you commit to any route.

We're not here to talk anyone out of a free Will. If a charity scheme is right for you, we'll tell you so. But if there are things a free Will won't cover, we'd rather you knew that upfront.