Mountain Rescue England and Wales

Q. Can I leave a legacy to Mountain Rescue England and Wales? I didn't know it was a charity.

A. Mountain Rescue England and Wales is the coordinating body for mountain rescue in England and Wales, and a registered charity in its own right. Although the individual teams are called out through the police via the 999 system, mountain rescue is not a statutory service. Our role is to support all the teams (also individual charities) and build for the future of mountain rescue, and for this we depend on donations and legacies.

Q. I would like to leave a legacy to Mountain Rescue England and Wales in my Will. What information do I need to include?

A. You must include the full name, registered office address and registered charity number, as below:
The Treasurer
Mountain Rescue England and Wales
12 Edward VII Avenue
Newport NP20 4NF
Registered Charity Number: 222596

However, if you want to be completely sure of the correct wording please use the examples in How to leave a legacy or seek professional advice from a solicitor. Or go to www.rememberacharity.org.uk to discover how you can leave a gift to your favourite cause.

Q. Does Mountain Rescue England and Wales need my legacy?

A. Legacies are vital to mountain rescue. They provide us with the means to run a diverse range of training courses and conferences, and to provide equipment and support, for mountain rescue teams and their members across England and Wales. The money we receive from other fundraising activities is just not sufficient to properly run the organisation.

Q. Can I specify how my money is used?

A. Yes, you can request that your gift be used for a specific purpose such as equipment, or that it benefits a specific team or region you particularly wish to support.

That said, our needs – and those of the mountain rescue teams – can vary over time, for any number of reasons (changes in technology or legislation, research and development, team member numbers, to name a few). So legacies that are not specific, but are made unconditionally, are especially helpful as they can be used to fund our most urgent needs, at the time they are received. If you have any doubts about the gift you wish to make please contact us.

Q. Can I be sure you will spend my legacy where I want it to be spent?

A. You can be assured that if you specify the condition of the gift we will use it as you wish.

Q. Are there any special words I should use in my Will?

A. Yes, you MUST use the full name of the charity – Mountain Rescue England and Wales – and the registered charity number 222596.

Please note that the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland is a separate charity covering Scotland. If your Will states that name, your bequest will be used in Scotland and not in England and Wales.

Q. Do I need to tell you that I've mentioned Mountain Rescue England and Wales in my Will?

A. No, but it is really helpful if you do. It allows us to plan how to best use scarce resources for the future.

Q. Are there any tax benefits to making a bequest to Mountain Rescue England and Wales?

A. If, after bills are paid, you leave money and possessions worth more than the Inheritance Tax threshold, then tax will be paid on all money passed on above this amount. However, legacies to a charity like Mountain Rescue England and Wales are exempt from Inheritance and Capital Gains taxes. Consequently, any gift would be received in full and before any tax is charged. For instance, a legacy of £20,000 to us will save an Inheritance Tax charge. Your solicitor or other professional adviser will advise on the best way to minimise the tax burden on your estate, including through donations, in your Will. 

Q. Is a small legacy really any use?

A. We are very grateful for any amount left to us. Whatever amount will make a real difference to our work. For example, a donation singly or collectively totalling £500 could provide a set of waterproofs for a team member, or a rope to a team; £1,000, provides a casualty bag; £2,500 a stretcher; £7,500 can replace a defibrillator; and £35,000 would fund a Land Rover.

Q. Can I send a legacy by cheque?

A. Yes. Please make it payable to 'Mountain Rescue Council', and address it as follows:
The Treasurer
Mountain Rescue England and Wales
12 Edward VII Avenue
Newport NP20 4NF