By David Lamb CFP™ MCSI
The loss of a life partner is one of the most traumatic experiences we can have. But out of the resulting grief can emerge a lasting legacy, as our latest client case study shows.
With no children or close relatives, Louie and husband Norman were absolutely devoted to each other and did everything together.
One of their favourite holiday destinations was Speyside in Scotland, but three years after Norman passed away Louie had still not returned to the area – saying it would be just too painful to visit.
Financial planning projections showed Louie was financially secure, and her plan was to bequeath donations to Dogs Trust and other charities in her will.
We suggested to Louie that the charities could have a long wait and she may enjoy seeing the beneficiaries of her wealth by making donations now – an idea she loved. As this was also Norman’s money, we asked what he would have wanted.
He was very keen on rugby and hill walking and Louie felt sure that he would have liked to support his local rugby club and also to help to get underprivileged children out of the city and into his beloved mountains.
She emailed the secretary of Norman’s first rugby club, while we contacted Glenmore Lodge, one of the country’s leading outward-bound centres.
We also suggested to Louie that, if we were going to help kids get into the mountains, we should also think about getting them down – so we also contacted Cairngorm Mountain Rescue.
After discussions Louie decided to fund a minibus for the rugby club and an expensive drone for the Mountain Rescue team. Glenmore Lodge are also developing a course, to run over 10 years, to train children in mountain skills, which will be in Norman’s name, with a plaque dedicated to him at the lodge.
The donations left a lasting legacy for Norman which gave Louie a huge morale boost and she is following the students’ progress with a keen interest.
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