Maria's Story
Cancer survivor Maria McKay recently took the important step of organising her Will and decided to leave a gift to Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Maria lives with her beloved labradoodle Luna who keeps her company on daily walks. After 15 happy years serving in the Royal Signals, Maria was medically discharged in 1994 - a decision she says she would never have made if health hadn't forced her hand. Life since then has been full and rewarding but, having never married and with no children or siblings, Maria wanted to make sure her legacy reflected what matters most to her.
"My only surviving relative, my auntie, died recently, and it suddenly felt very strange having no family left," Maria explains. "I'm disabled and have heart disease, but I enjoy a fulfilling life walking Luna and spending time with lots of lovely friends."
When Maria began thinking about her future, writing a Will felt like the right thing to do.
"As a cancer survivor, and because my mum also suffered from it, I already give monthly to Cancer Research as well as the British Heart Foundation and knew I wanted to continue to support them when I organised my Will. I also wanted to support SSPCA due to my love of animals.
"I decided to also leave a gift in my Will to CHAS because I feel like it is such a wonderful charity that helps children all across Scotland and allows parents the chance to relax in their care and just be mum and dad again.
"I have always been touched by children's hospice care and I am always extremely moved by the videos created by CHAS during their fundraising campaigns. I truly love what they do and think they are amazing.
"To see a child so ill having to face the end of their life so young and the pain that brings their families is heartbreaking. To leave a gift in my Will to a charity like CHAS felt like it could be altruism at its best - an opportunity to do something really special.
"Giving to CHAS is about helping give children and parents precious time together, making precious memories, no matter how long they have left.
"It is important to leave my money to things that are important to me and that will leave a lasting legacy and I have no doubt that CHAS will honour that legacy. For me personally, it is lovely to think that after you've gone, you're still helping in some way.
Writing her Will brought Maria peace of mind. "It made me feel happy and content. I don't have to worry where my money will go-I know it will support things that matter to me and leave a lasting legacy."
She continued: "My advice to anyone else considering leaving a gift in their Will to CHAS would be to do it - and do it NOW. Make sure your money goes where YOU want it to go."