Helping hand for the helpers

Joan Swift, from Epsom, is leaving money to the Cancer Society. Photo / Greg Bowker

Joan Swift has lost nine family members to cancer, so deciding to leave money to the charity that supports the disease's victims was easy.

The Auckland woman, who has done voluntary work for the Cancer Society for 35 years, is among the 8 per cent of New Zealanders who have left bequests to charity in their wills.

Ms Swift, who is in her 70s, recently updated her will and left "a substantial amount" to the charity which will go towards Domain Lodge, a hotel next to Auckland Hospital set up for cancer patients and their caregivers.

She has also asked her family to request donations instead of flowers at her funeral to aid cancer research.

Ms Swift's 61-year-old sister died in January from cancer of the pancreas, liver and bone. Her father died 25 years ago from lung cancer and her brother 10 years ago, also from lung cancer.

She has also lost two uncles, an aunt, her grandmother and grandfather and her brother-in-law to the disease.

Her husband died 21 years ago of a heart attack.

"My health's great, I'm very fortunate," Ms Swift said. "So I think I'm here in this space to do something for other people."

Ninety-two per cent of people interviewed had not left a bequest in their will and research showed that people whose lawyers mentioned doing so were eight times more likely to leave one.

As personal income increased so did the likelihood that a solicitor would suggest a bequest.

Women supported more charities - 40 per cent supported four or more compared with 30 per cent of men.

Those in the 40-to-44 age group were least likely to consider leaving a bequest - 29 per cent.

Cancer Society national business development manager Katherine Monks said Ms Swift was an inspiration.

"She does an enormous amount for our Cancer Society in Auckland.

"If we could clone her we would. She's a delight, so passionate about our organisation.

"We hope she might prompt others to think if they haven't got a will or they want to update it they talk to someone at the Cancer Society or just go straight to their lawyer."