People in Stockport will have the opportunity to make or update their will for free next month as part of The Christie’s Make a Will Week, in return for a donation to the charity.
The Christie, the North West’s specialist cancer centre is encouraging people to make a will, with the support of more than 50 solicitors from across the region including two in Stockport – Alfred Newton & Co on Wellington Road South and Gorvins Solicitors on Tiviot Dale.
During The Christie Charity’s Make a Will Week, from the 15th-19th September 2014, participating solicitors will help people make or update a will for free, when usually it can cost anything up to £150 for a basic will, or more for more complicated wills.
According to the Office of National Statistics approximately half a million people die in the UK each year. If every person who passed away left £1,000 in their will to their chosen charity then UK charities would benefit from a £50 million windfall every year. Last year alone, The Christie received almost £6 million from money left in wills.
Michael Smoult, Associate Solicitor from Gorvins Solicitors’ Wills, Trusts & Probate team in Stockport said: “We’re pleased to be involved in The Christie’s Make a Will Week again. Many people die without making a will, which could cause unnecessary distress to loved ones at an already difficult time. It is also a good opportunity to support a worthy cause by helping cancer patients and their families.”
Legacy and research officer at The Christie Charity, Christina Whitham said: “It’s never too early to make a will and as life changes with getting married, having children, buying a house or retiring it often needs updating. Leaving a gift in your will, however big or small, to a cause close to the heart, makes a huge difference to charities.
Make a Will Week is now in its fifth year and is firmly established in The Christie Charity’s calendar, having raised nearly £50,000 to date. This money makes a huge difference to our patients, helping to fund research, treatment and extra support services. Over 50 solicitors are kindly taking part in this year’s Make a Will Week and we’re extremely grateful for them giving up their time and money for this important cause.”
To get involved visit www.christiewillweek.org for a list of participating solicitors or you can contact Christina Whitham on 0161 918 7424. The suggested minimum donation is £90 for a basic single will or £135 for a pair of basic ‘mirror wills’ which are ideal for couples.
Solicitors will offer a free, standard will writing and updating service on the understanding that supporters will make a donation and perhaps consider including a gift in their will to The Christie Charity.