A pensioner is urging others to make provision for South Bucks Hospice in their wills – after he pledged a portion of his estate to the charity.

Duncan Tucker, 75, will give 2.5 percent of his taxable estate to the charity when he passes away in recognition of the support they provided to his late wife Kay.

Duncan said: “I found it to be a place of renewal, a sanctuary and a point of compass. It’s a place of fellowship. I felt supported by the hospice when Kay was too unwell to attend, and it has now evolved into a way of life for me. I have been coming here a long time and it gets better and better.

“When people think of going to a hospice, they feel that it is the end of the road because they care for the dying. I knew Kay’s time was limited and was happy to come here, but it was much better than I had imagined. I had thought there would be people dying in beds with tubes everywhere – instead there was lots of laughing and joking and having cups of coffee.”

As a way of giving something back to the charity which helped him and his family, he has pledged the 2.5 percent donation in his will. Duncan has also promised to give a further 7.5 percent to a range of other charitable causes.

Duncan explained: “South Bucks Hospice is open and free to all whose lives have been blighted by the shadow of terminal illnesses. The wonderful premises and facilities have been built on the foundation of generous grateful bequests and continual contributions.

“It does however cost about £800,000 annually to maintain the structure and provide the essential professional support. Throughout the nation today, there exists a culture of charitable giving, but sadly, the local facilities are so often overlooked - visible, yet forgotten - when high-profile national charities appear regularly on the television screens of our homes.

“I would therefore ask others in all sincerity, to make South Bucks Hospice one of their priorities.

“In doing so, you will have the assurance that their work of palliative therapy and support is continued, and that there will always be a place of comfort for those whom you love - who are left to struggle through their lives without you.

“By making charitable bequests in your will you may also be able to reduce the rate of inheritance tax due; the benefit to your chosen charities, however, will be immense.”

If you want to help the hospice, email info@sbhospice.org.uk or call 01494 552750.