GETTING THE BIGGER PICTURE

The World Wildlife Fund's success stems from its ability to deal with a wide variety of environmental concerns, says lifelong supporter Tony Matthews.

Ever since he was old enough to open a newspaper, Tony has been a keen supporter of the World Wildlife Fund, now just known as WWF. He also supports the bravery of Greenpeace, the determination of Friends of the Earth and other campaigners for the environment.

Half a century ago he first became aware of the plight of wildlife and the tragic threat of extinction hanging over so many species. Since then, of course, the situation has become far, far worse as spiralling human populations have brought environmental degradation in every part of the planet and the destruction of habitats from the polar regions to the tropics. The black rhinos shown above are now extinct in most of Africa with just a handful of survivors in a few areas.

Climate change and the destruction of wildlife habitats are both now widely accepted as the critical threats they really are, he says, yet efforts to hold them back have been stymied at every turn by vested interests. However, WWF's particular strength is working with governments, institutions, NGOs and so on in those parts of the world where the largest problems apply and the only hope for the future is to back its efforts in every way possible.

Tony's commitment is truly lifelong. Furthermore, he has left WWF a legacy in his will so that the charity's work can continue after he has gone.  It is a very straightforward process. You just approach a recommended solicitor who produces the legal wording and offers a range of options. What are your exact wishes, who you want to leave your property to, and any 
bequests you want to make. 

Once your family has been catered for, it really does make sense to think of a bequest to a charity such as WWF. After all, what kind of world do you really want to leave to your family anyway?