A Will writing campaign led by St Richard’s Hospice has announced record fundraising figures.
The Write a Will scheme – which sees Worcestershire solicitors’ firms offering people the opportunity to write a simple Will for £95 or a double one for £150, with all of the money donated to St Richard’s – has seen an increase in take up.
In September 2017 the scheme donated £10,330 – up from £6,960 on the previous year – and in February 2018, £3,965. The total amount for the two months reached £14,295.
The firms who took part in September were Worcester-based Harrison Clark Rickerbys and Scaiff LLP Solicitors, and Kitcat and Co Solicitors, based in Malvern. The February campaign is exclusive to MFG Solicitors.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of writing a Will – which is a document setting out how people want their money, property and possessions to be distributed after their death.
Ria Simons, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce these latest figures from our Write a Will scheme. All the participating solicitors give up their time free of charge to help the hospice; we are very grateful for their generous support.”
She added : “The importance of writing a Will is because in situations when a person dies without one, rules dictate how the individual’s estate is allocated which may not be as they would wish. It is also important to update a Will if personal circumstances change, for example if someone marries, divorces or adopts a child.
“Writing a Will should not be a daunting experience, but we understand it is often a process many people don’t like to think about. We hope our campaign will encourage people to take the first step and make an appointment with one of our participating solicitors. And the great thing is that once you have a Will in place, you also have peace of mind to know if you died, everything would be organised for your loved ones.”
St Richard’s Hospice also encourages people to consider leaving a gift in their Will, after they have provided for family and friends, although there is no obligation to do so.
The Write a Will scheme takes place in February and September each year.
For further details of participating solicitors call the Fundraising team on 01905 763963.