Swindon law firm Lemon & Co has pledged to donate nearly a quarter of its earnings from writing wills between now and Friday to Prospect Hospice as part of national Make a Will Week.
The week follows the success of Prospect’s Make a Will Month last year when 12 local solicitors raised more than £13,000 for the charity.
Lemon & Co managing director Deirdre Moss said: “Writing a will is a difficult necessity in life, which is made even harder when someone finds themselves in a position of ill health.
“It is wise to make a will while still fit and healthy in both body and mind as this brings the peace of mind that, if the unthinkable happens, your loved ones will receive estates and property as per your wishes.
“If you pass away without a will, your loved ones may have no choice over who gets what, regardless of what you have told them during your lifetime. Your estate would be distributed according to current UK law.”
Make a Will Week aims to raise awareness of how many people die without putting their estate in order while also raising funds for charities.
In the UK, one in three people die intestate each year, and half of all people over the age of 45 have not made a will. Dying intestate – without writing a will – risks leaving your estate in the wrong hands and a larger slice with the taxman than necessary.
Deirdre continued: “This is an excellent opportunity to get your affairs in order while also helping to support the patients and families cared for and supported by Prospect. Writing a will is a process that anybody over the age of 18 can participate in and brings security and peace of mind, not just to you but to those you love.”
Wroughton-based Prospect Hospice, which supports 1600 people and their families in a purpose-built hospice, in the Great Western Hospital, and in their own homes.
Sheryl Crouch, Prospect’s head of fundraising, added: “We are delighted that Lemon & Co is offering to donate a proportion of the total instructions taken. Our aim is to bring confidence, comfort and care to patients and their families and know from experience how important a written will can be for families.”
