Giving

How do gifts in memory work?

In brief

A gift in memory is a donation made in someone’s name after they die. You can give once, collect donations at a funeral instead of flowers, fundraise on an anniversary or give monthly. With Breast Cancer Charity, add an “in memory of” dedication when you donate; approved tributes can appear on our Dedication Wall.

By Kaiser Khan, Breast Cancer Charity · Updated

Quick facts

Ways to give
Once, a funeral collection, an anniversary fundraiser or a monthly gift
Source: Breast Cancer Charity: fundraise for breast cancer screening
Dedication
Choose “in memory of”, add their name and an optional message
Source: Breast Cancer Charity: donate
Funeral collections
Email info@worldaidnetwork.org before the funeral
Source: Breast Cancer Charity: fundraise for breast cancer screening
Gift Aid
Not claimed at present
Source: Breast Cancer Charity: Gift Aid

Key takeaways

  • Any amount can be a gift in memory; there is no expected sum.
  • Add a dedication so the gift is recorded in their name. (Breast Cancer Charity: donate)
  • Families can ask for donations instead of flowers and pay in the total afterwards.
  • Approved tributes can appear on our Dedication Wall. (Breast Cancer Charity: donate)

What counts as a gift in memory?

Any donation made in someone’s name after they have died. It might be a single gift from you, a collection at the funeral, a fundraiser on their birthday or the anniversary of their death, or a regular monthly gift. Many families choose a cause linked to the person, but it does not have to be.

How do I set up a funeral collection?

  • Name the charity in the funeral notice or order of service, for example “Donations, if desired, to Breast Cancer Charity”.
  • Share breastcancer-charity.org/donate-in-memory/, which has wording to copy and a link that opens the donate form with “in memory of” already chosen.
  • For cash or cheques collected on the day, email info@worldaidnetwork.org before the funeral and we will explain how to pay in the total.

Sources: Breast Cancer Charity: donate in memory; Breast Cancer Charity: donate; Breast Cancer Charity: fundraise for breast cancer screening

What should I write in an in-memory dedication?

A name and a line is enough. For example: “In loving memory of Mum, who always told us to get checked”, “For Aunty Joan, forever in our hearts” or “Remembering Sarah on her birthday”. Dedications are reviewed before they appear on the Dedication Wall.

Source: Breast Cancer Charity: donate

Will the family know about my gift?

An approved dedication can appear on our Dedication Wall. If you want the family to know, tell them directly, share the tribute, or give them a printable dedication card.

Source: Breast Cancer Charity: donate

How else can I remember someone who died of breast cancer?

  • Walk, run or hold a pink afternoon tea in their memory, often during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
  • Give on their birthday each year.
  • Pass on what they would have wanted others to know, such as checking your breasts and going for screening.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I give in memory of someone?
There is no right amount. Many people give about what they would have spent on flowers. Our guide on how much to give explains what different amounts can fund.
Can I give in memory of someone who did not have breast cancer?
Yes. You can remember anyone with a gift. Many people choose a cause that mattered to the person or to their family.
Can I give in memory from outside the UK?
Yes. You can donate online once or monthly in GBP, USD or EUR, and add an “in memory of” dedication.

Source: Breast Cancer Charity: donate

Can I collect donations at a funeral for Breast Cancer Charity?
Yes. Email info@worldaidnetwork.org before the funeral and we will explain how to pay in the collection.

Source: Breast Cancer Charity: fundraise for breast cancer screening

Sources and references

This page is general information, not medical advice. A GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our editorial policy.