The RSPCA and three other large charities have issued a statement warning of huge implications for the sector if the RSPCA loses its forthcoming appeal against the High Court ruling that cost it a £2m legacy.

Five months ago, university lecturer Dr Christine Gill convinced the High Court that her father had coerced her mother into leaving their £2m farm to the RSPCA and successfully overturned the will, leaving the RSPCA with nothing.

The charity said it would appeal, but then last month it learned that it was likely to be saddled with a legal bill of around £1m for contesting the initial case.  The RSPCA has repeatedly said that it was obliged under charity law to stake a claim for the legacy.

The charity said the trustees had decided to appeal because Mrs Gill’s wishes, as expressed in her will, ought to be granted. They pointed out that Mrs Gill had seven years after her husband’s death in which to make a new will, if she felt her existing will did not represent her wishes.

Now the RSPCA has issued a statement regarding the case, jointly with the Charities Aid Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Guide Dogs for the Blind. The statement said: “This case has been troubling for many charities, and we are very concerned at its possible implications for the charity sector.

“It is unacceptable for charity trustees to be caught between the legal duty to secure assets to which the charity is entitled and the threat of huge legal costs being imposed for attempting to do so.

“It is crucial that this matter is finally settled, one way or the other, so charities can be more certain of the legal landscape, and can plan accordingly.

“This case also highlights how important it is for people thinking of leaving money to charity in their will to inform those closest to them of their wishes during their lifetime.”
The appeal is due to take place later this year.