Make a will, make a difference for Dr Kershaw's

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton has once again launched their Will Month initiative, giving those in the community, who haven’t yet drafted a will, the opportunity to access the expertise and will writing services of local solicitors while also supporting patient care at the hospice.

With the slogan ‘Make a Will, Make a Difference', Dr Kershaw’s Will Month will take place throughout November, but the community are able to sign up from today.

Director of Income Development and Marketing, Rebecca Bentham, who is responsible for Will Month at Dr Kershaw’s, said: “A Last Will and Testament is your way of telling everyone what should happen to your money, possessions, property and even who should care for your children or pets, after you pass away.

"So that you can decide who will receive your estate, consider making your will during Dr Kershaw's Will Month.

"Throughout November, selected solicitors are offering to help you write your will, giving their expertise completely free of charge, asking instead that you make a difference towards patient care at our hospice.

"All you have to do is look at the list of solicitors who have partnered with us on our website, contact your chosen solicitor to make an appointment for in November, mentioning Dr Kershaw’s Will Month and then make a donation to the hospice directly with your solicitor.”

"Making a will with one of the Hospice’s supporting solicitors is free of charge, however, to support patient care there is a suggested minimum donation of £85 for a single will, £125 for a mirror will, and £65 for a codicil - making a will during Dr Kershaw’s Will Month so much more affordable.

"The solicitors taking part in the scheme are waiving their fees for simple wills.

"However, if there is a more complex requirement there may also be an additional fee to pay them.

"Your solicitor will be able to advise of this once an appointment has been made."

Local solicitors Touch Solicitors, Wrigley Claydon Solicitors and Mellor Solicitors have each signed up to offer their expertise during Will Month, and to raise vital funds for Dr Kershaw’s.

Rachel Damianou, Partner at Wrigley Claydon Solicitors, explains why it’s important to make a will and the benefits of doing so during Will Month.

She said: “Making a will is really important if you want to ensure you provide for your chosen family, friends or charity rather than the law deciding what happens to your assets when you pass away.

"Making a will through Dr Kershaw’s Will Month not only makes sure your wishes will be followed, but it is also an opportunity to support such a worthwhile charity in these difficult financial times we find ourselves in.

"Making a will also gives peace of mind that you have done everything you can to make things as easy as possible for your loved ones when the time comes.

"Wrigley Claydon are proud to be involved in Will Month.

"We will be donating our time and hopefully raising funds to ensure our hospice is with us well into the future."

Dr Kershaw’s Chief Executive, Joanne Sloan, herself signed up to a will during the Hospice’s last Will Month.

She said: “I’ve wanted to get a will for many years but have never got round to it.

"Will Month gave me the opportunity to finally do it while also supporting the hospice.

"It was so easy, my husband and I made an appointment with the solicitor, it took just half an hour and then we went back to sign on another day which only took 10 minutes.

"It’s done now, ticked off our list so we can forget about it.

"Doing your will during Will Month doesn’t take long and it puts your mind at rest, while also providing vital funds for your local hospice.”

To find out more and for a list of participating solicitors, visit: www.drkh.org.uk/WillMonth or contact the hospice’s fundraising team on 0161 624 9984 or: fundraising@drkh.org.uk

When writing your will, you may also like to consider leaving a gift to charity.

Hospice Director Rebecca added: “When you write your will, you can also do something incredible by deciding to leave a legacy to help us continue to care.

"Leaving a gift in your will of even 1% to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice means your generosity will live on for generations to come, and ensures those closest to you receive the remaining 99%.

"Speak to your solicitor about leaving a gift in your will to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.”

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