Make a life changing impact - how a gift in your will can create a legacy for years to come

Dunham McCarthy (DM) offer a free will writing service as part of our comprehensive employee benefits package.

Last month we expanded our partnership with DM to include free mortgage consultations. This is a fantastic opportunity for those of you considering a new home or looking to better understand your mortgage options.

All employees of the University, and their partners or spouses, can take advantage of DM's will writing and mortgage consultation services, which are offered completely free of charge.

We wanted to take a moment to remind you of the profound impact you can make by pledging a gift in your will.

Your generosity can truly transform lives and make a significant difference at University of Birmingham. From providing essential support to our students, to enabling groundbreaking research, your contributions can shape a brighter future.

Your legacy could contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements, ensure our much-loved heritage sites are preserved, and help students access schemes such as Pathways to Birmingham.

Nine out of ten students supported by Pathways to Birmingham would not be able to afford the essentials or even attend university without it. The scheme relies significantly on gifts in wills.

Your contribution could make a lifechanging impact for generations to come, as demonstrated by the story of Bill McManamey’s incredible generosity.

Bill McManamey

A much loved and respected figure in the School of Chemical Engineering, Bill was devoted to the University and its students, from when his employment began in 1964 until he sadly passed away in 2016.

Despite officially retiring in 1993, he was committed to and enthusiastic about Chemical Engineering, resulting in his appointment as an Honorary Senior Lecturer.

As described at Bill’s funeral by Professor Joe Biddlestone, a lifelong friend and colleague of 50 years, for Bill ‘home really was Chemical Engineering, his flat was a place to sleep’. It seemed fitting that his celebration of life was held at the University.

His unwavering commitment to both the School of Chemical Engineering and the University was demonstrated not only in his life but also in death. Leaving a gift in his will of £100,000 to the school, Bill’s generosity has allowed the University to award two students per year with the Bill McManamey scholarship, leaving a lasting legacy to remember him by.

Bill’s generosity and passion for the field of Chemical Engineering has enabled future generations of students to benefit and contribute to research that Bill made his life’s work.

Bill’s legacy is just one of the incredible stories of generosity and the impact it has had on our students and cutting-edge research. Read more about the stories of the people behind their gifts.

How to leave a gift in your will

Leaving a gift in your will can have a powerful impact. Your generosity can create a better future and inspire others to give back, enabling your voice and legacy to live on for years.

You can find out more about leaving a gift in your will to the University.

If you have something specific in mind or would like to discuss your intentions, please get in touch by contacting Thomas Kay, Legacy and Endowment Manager, on t.a.kay@bham.ac.uk