LEGAL experts are proving where there’s a will there’s a way as they help a much-loved charity raise funds for its work.
Solicitors in Darlington have pledged their time and support to offer a free will writing service in return for a donation to St Teresa’s Hospice.
Supporters will be invited to make a voluntary contribution of £80 for a single will and £150 for a double one during the hospice’s Make a Will Fortnight, from June 5-16.
Chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington, Jane Bradshaw said: “If you don’t have a will you cannot be sure that your loved ones are provided for after your death and you may also leave them the stress of coping with a host of legal complications.
“Legacies form a key part of the on-going funding of St Teresa's Hospice and we are extremely grateful to all of the solicitors who have offered their time and expertise to support us in this way.
“Gifts that have been left to us have helped us continue to provide our vital services in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.”
All legacies received are spent locally, benefitting local people and to date have helped St Teresa’s Hospice improve its gardens, furnish patient rooms, contribute to its volunteer driving service, fund its education programme, extend and improve its buildings and make substantial contributions towards running costs and service development.
Participating solicitors BHP Law, Macks Solicitors, Hewitts Solicitors and McGarry & Co, will offer clients a free appointment during the period to make or amend any will.
When making an appointment, supporters should inform the solicitor that they would like to support the St Teresa’s Hospice’s Make a Will Fortnight.
Helen Biglin, a partner at BHP Law, said: “It is great to see local organisations coming together to ensure St Teresa’s Hospice is able to continue its essential work and we're really happy to be involved in the scheme again.”
Michael McGarry, of McGarry & Co said: “This time of year, especially as people are due to go off on their holidays, can focus the mind on putting affairs in order so this St Teresa’s initiative is the ideal opportunity for people to do so and help the hospice at the same time.”
Lynda Monks, of Macks Solicitors said: “We saw around 20 clients last year so are hoping that even more people get involved this year. St Teresa’s is so important to Darlington and the district.”
Darren Brown, of Hewitts Solicitors, added: “St Teresa’s is a wonderful local charity and all of the people involved do an incredible job.”
Appointments can be arranged in advance of the campaign at Macks Solicitors on (01325) 389800; Hewitts Solicitors on (01325) 468573 or email louisehoar@hewitts.co.uk; McGarry & Co (01833) 600160 (Barnard Castle), 01969 666290 (Hawes); BHP Law on (01325) 466794 or by email to helenb@bhplaw.co.uk.
Anyone interested in the service should visit www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk for an up to date list.
For further information about leaving a gift to St Teresa's Hospice and to obtain a copy of the Guide to Making and Changing a Will, contact the hospice on (01325) 254321 or email enquiries@darlingtonhospice.org.uk.