My legacy for Dorothy House – Jane’s story

My connection to hospice care

My name is Jane Panos, and I am a part time receptionist on a volunteer basis here at Dorothy House.

I have known of Dorothy House for many years. After my own husband died two years ago, I was looking for a voluntary role. He had a short illness. He was in hospital, and it was a very noisy environment.

I just wish I could have got him here in time, but we really didn't have much time. It's the difference. And I think how someone passes is important not only for their sake, but for those who are with them. It wasn't as peaceful as I would have liked it to be.

I believe passionately in the Hospice; this is the kind of end of life I would like more people to have.

Creating a lasting legacy for Dorothy House

One thing you find when you are bereaved having lost your life partner, is that you have to rethink not only your life, but everything you have. You are going to come to an end at some point. Where are all your things going to go?

And it just seemed that it just came to me, the Hospice: it needs to go to the Hospice. Knowing that my property will benefit this wonderful place it was a no brainer.

I did wonder, what would people think? Because I have family. They are all in successful careers though and none of them are in need of anything. But the Hospice and anything like it is always in need of extra funds.

It is not fully funded by the NHS as some people believe it is. I discussed it with friends and family and everyone says what a wonderful thing to do. I just know that when my time comes, it's going to go to a very good cause. I know it will be used for a very good thing. Isn't it a wonderful thing to know it's going where it is needed? It makes my heart feel good.

It's something worth considering, and I think a lot of people don't because they don't want to think of their own passing. But I think it's a message that needs to reach everybody. You need a will. The earlier you make it, you the sooner you can forget about it. You can change it as your circumstances change. But knowing in your heart that you are leaving something so useful for such a wonderful charity is a no brainer for me.

Create an online will for free today

Writing your will helps to provide peace of mind that your loved ones, and the causes that matter to you, are taken care of just as you have chosen once you have died.

We've partnered with Farewill, the largest will writing service in the UK, to help you write your will for free online.

You can also write your will with a solicitor. We've partnered with The National Free Wills Network who will put you in touch with a local solicitor. There are over 900 solicitors in the UK involved in the Network.

Find out more about both of these services here.

If you've been inspired by Jane's story, you can learn more about leaving a legacy for Dorothy House by visiting our gifts in wills page.