The winners of the Smee & Ford Legacy Giving Awards were announced at a ceremony held at London Bankside’s Hilton Hotel.
The awards, now in their third year, recognise the outstanding achievements, talent and dedication of UK legacy giving professionals and highlight the significant income that gifts in wills bring to charities, which is set to reach almost £5 billion per year by 2030.
This year’s winners represent a broad range of organisations, from national charities to smaller, specialist causes, all demonstrating best practice in engaging supporters and driving legacy giving forward. Polly Avgherinos, Managing Director of Smee & Ford, said:
“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners who are inspiring examples of how creative and ambitious thinking combined with innovation and collaboration can make such a positive impact on a vital sector. The event brought together the brilliant legacy giving community, providing a platform for them to share much-deserved pride in their work and benchmark the incredible progress being made in the sector.”
The full list of winners:
Catsnake: The Story Agency Best Creative Partner to the Legacy Sector
The Brain Tumour Charity and Make a Will Online Best Free Will Service
Foot Anstey Best Legal Partner to the Legacy Sector
Foot Anstey Best Property Partner to the Legacy Sector
Soil Association Best Start-up Legacy Programme
Octopus Legacy Best Strategic Will Provider 2025
RSPCA Digital Innovation in Legacy Giving
Debbie Henshaw – Cornwall Air Ambulance Director’s Award for Outstanding Legacy Manager
St Elizabeth Hospice Excellence in Donor Journey & Pledger Stewardship
Canal & River Trust Excellence in Working with Lay Executors
Essex Wildlife Trust Internal Collaboration Champions
Christian Aid Legacy Administration Team of the Year
Hayley MacNeill – Save the Children Legacy Administrator 2025
Christian Aid Legacy Campaign of the Year (Income Over £3m)
Leukaemia UK Legacy Campaign of the Year (Income Under £3m)
National Trust Legacy Fundraising Event 2025 (Income Over £3m)
Canal & River Trust Legacy Fundraising Event 2025 (Income Under £3m)
John Coulthurst – British Red Cross Legacy Fundraising Professional of the Year
Jewish Care Legacy Fundraising Team of the Year
Howard Taylor – Magen David Adom UK Legacy Volunteer of the Year
Farewill Outstanding Partner to the Legacy Sector
Ashley Rowthorn, CEO of Legacy Futures, partners of Smee and Ford, commented:
“The calibre of entries this year was extremely high. Legacy giving is an essential and growing income stream for charities, and these awards highlight the exceptional work being done across the sector to ensure supporters’ wishes are honoured and their impact is maximised.”
