Today sees the launch of Remember a Charity Week, a UK wide initiative that involves over 150 independent charities combining their efforts to raise awareness of charitable legacy giving – currently a mere 7% of contributions raises an amazing £2 billion. The equivalent of 20 Comic Reliefs! Celebrities supporting the week include Dame Judi Dench, Sir Michael Parkinson, Imelda Staunton, Tony Robinson, Honor Blackman, Dame Vera Lynn, David and Richard Dimbleby, Fern Britton, Greg Wise, Edwina Curry, Richard Wilson and Janet Ellis.

As a generous nation, 74% of us regularly donate and support both local and national charities throughout our lifetimes. Currently, only 7% of this total figure continue to support their beloved charities even when their time has passed. Without legacy giving, some charities would find it difficult, if not impossible to survive. However, if this increased by a marginal 4% nationwide then charities would see an injection of over £1 billion.

Throughout the high street charity shops will enhance the initiative with elaborate window displays and personalised freebies. Charitable organisations up and down the country will be running or organising a multitude of events and activities. In addition, legendary British stuntman Rocky Taylor will be attempting to break a world record with a death-defying stunt previously featured in James Bond film Die Another Day which will broadcast live to the nation via Facebook.