A gift that stands the test of time

For Julia and Paul, updating their Will is one of those things they've returned to time and again. Here's why Visably has remained part of their Will over the years.

When people think about writing a Will, they often imagine it's something to do much later in life.

For Julia and her husband Paul, it’s simply become one of those jobs you keep coming back to as life changes. Over the years, they’ve updated their will more than once to make sure it still reflects what matters most to them.

Now retired, they're happiest tending the garden, and planning their next adventure.

"Antarctica is our favourite place," Julia says. "It's so beautiful. We go back whenever we can."

It's a world away from the story that first connected them to Visably.

A radio that meant so much more

The couple first heard about Visably through a close family friend living with age-related macular degeneration.

As their friend’s sight changed, everyday pleasures became harder. Reading the newspaper wasn't easy anymore. Following the news became a challenge. And the music she loved became harder to access.

Then a volunteer introduced her to one Visably.

It wasn't just a radio.

It was company over breakfast. Familiar voices. Favourite programmes. A little piece of independence that stayed with her every single day.

Keeping kindness going

After their friend died in 2011, the couple kept Visably close to their hearts.

When they updated their Will a year or two later, adding a gift to Visably felt like the natural next step.

"We've updated our Will again recently," Paul says. "Some things changed, and some things stayed the same. We made sure Visably stayed in."

For them, leaving a gift in their Will isn't a grand gesture. It's about helping the next person discover technology that makes everyday life feel possible again.

One piece of advice

Having been executors for someone else's estate, Julia and Paul also discovered how important it is to keep a Will up to date.

"If there's something you want to happen, write it down clearly. Don't assume people will know what you meant."

They also learned that life can change more quickly than we expect.

"Time goes by very quickly," Julia comments. "Things change. That's why I'd tell anyone who's thinking about writing or updating their Will to get it done."

A gift for tomorrow

A gift in your Will doesn't have to be large to make a lasting difference. After you've looked after the people you love, even a small share of what remains could help someone hear their favourite radio programme again. Discover accessible technology that brings back confidence. Or simply find clear, practical advice when they need it.

If you've already included Visably in your Will, thank you. Your kindness means that, in the future, someone living with sight loss will be able to reach us, connect with a volunteer and find the confidence to use technology that opens up their world.

And if you've been thinking about writing or updating your Will, this October could be the just right time to make sure your legacy reflects the things that most dearly matter to you.