What's My Legacy?

New data reveals how people want to be remembered

Remember A Charity Week (7–13 September) launches today, with new insights into how people view their legacy.

In a survey carried out by Censuswide, 92% of UK adults say they care about the legacy they leave behind. But for the large majority, legacy is not primarily about wealth or career success. It’s about the impact they have on the people and causes they care about.

Being a good friend, partner or family member is the most important aspect of their legacy, cited by almost two thirds (64%) of people. One third (33%) highlight helping others in times of need, and three in ten (30%) passing on values and life lessons as important. Just 10% saw a successful career or business as a key part of their legacy.

Younger people(aged 18-24) are more likely to want to protect the environment as part of their legacy than older generations (55+), at 27% vs 17%. While older generations care more about passing on their values and life lessons (35% vs 22%).

Role of charitable giving in people's legacies

More than six in ten (62%) of those surveyed said that supporting causes they care about is important to them, with over one in five (22%) having already included a charitable gift in their Will or planning to do so when they write their Will.

Remember A Charity Week brings together 200 charities and partners from across the UK to raise awareness of gifts in Wills and encourage people to consider remembering a charity alongside their loved ones.

This year, we are inviting people to reflect on what they want to be remembered for and what legacy means to them – using the hashtag #WhatsMyLegacy.

Actor and author Sherrie Hewson is supporting the campaign. Best known for her roles on screen – from Benidorm to Coronation Street - Sherrie has raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities after losing her brother to a glioblastoma brain tumour and is using her experience to encourage people to think about the legacy they leave.

Sherrie Hewson says:

“For me, legacy isn't about what we leave behind for ourselves, it's about the impact we have on others. It's about keeping alive the memory of the people we love and supporting the causes that matter to us. That's why I believe leaving a gift in your Will is such a special thing to do. It's a way to make a difference that can continue long into the future.”

Join the conversation and share how you want to be remembered using #WhatsMyLegacy and #RememberACharityWeek.