More than a third of Cancer Research UK’s work is funded by donations left in wills but around two thirds of the UK public do not have one

A cancer charity is pleading with Scots to leave a donation to it in their will.

Cancer Research UK made the unashamed ask by highlighting that 83 people are diagnosed with the disease every day north of the border.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, said leaving cash to the charity means people can help save lives after they are gone.

When someone writes Cancer Research UK into their will, they are helping to create a future free from the fear of cancer

“By leaving a donation to Cancer Research UK in their will - no matter how big or small – people across Scotland can help to write an end to cancer for future generations,” Adams said.

“Young people today are the generation who could see groundbreaking treatments and cures for cancer in their lifetime. But we’ll only get the knowledge and technology we need to win the fight against cancer through research.

“January is a good time to take stock and think about making a will, so we hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to consider leaving a legacy gift to the charity.”

More than a third of Cancer Research UK’s work is funded by donations left in wills.

Legacy gifts come in all forms – as well as traditional sums of money, a range of diverse and unique things have been left to the charity including book royalties to a stuffed parrot and a surfboard to a collection of 2,500 model buses and lorries.

The charity has created a page on its website with information about those who are considering leaving a donation in their will.

The charity has also partnered with solicitors across the UK to provide a free will-writing service for over 55s who want to write or update a simple will.

Adams added: “When someone writes Cancer Research UK into their will, they are helping to create a future free from the fear of cancer.”