East Lancashire residents have the chance to have a free Will written for a charity fundraiser.
East Lancashire Hospice’s Will Week offers people the chance to write the document thanks to local solicitors who waive their normal fee for a standard Will in return for a hospice donation. The scheme has been running for 6 years and has raised in excess of £27,000 for patient care.
Stuart Maher who is Director and Head of the Wills and Estate Planning team at participating solicitors Watson Ramsbottom said: “We are delighted to be involved with the Hospice’s Will Week again in 2016 and are pleased that it is continuing this year following the previous years’ successes. Taking part in Will Week gives Watson Ramsbottom the chance to continue our commitment of giving back to the community where we can, and supporting Will Week for the hospice is one of the best ways to show this given the care they offer to everyone within the region at times of their greatest need.”
A new basic Will can be written by the solicitor in return for a donation to East Lancashire Hospice with the individual donating the approximate amount it would normally cost to provide the service. The writing of a Will can cost approximately £75 per person. Donations to the charity can be gift aided.
Once a person’s details are registered they are sent a pack with a voucher and details of the participating solicitors. They then contact the solicitor during Will Week to make their appointment to have their Will written.
Fundraising manager Sharon Crymble said: “We’re very grateful to all the solicitors who have continued to support Will Week since we started it in 2010. The money donated goes directly to patient care and I would urge anyone who hasn’t already made a Will to use the opportunity to make sure others know your wishes and to help the hospice raise vital funds at the same time.”
East Lancashire Hospice Will Week runs from Monday October 17 – Friday 21 and packs should be requested before then. People can fill in their details at eastlancshospice.org.uk or call 01254 287010. Information is treated in strictest confidence.
It costs £3.5m a year to keep the hospice and all of its services running. East Lancashire Hospice opened its doors in 1984 and has been caring for people with life-limiting illnesses from Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley ever since. It offers specialist, supportive and end of life care to patients and their families.