FUNDRAISERS are being urged to show where there’s a will there’s a way in the latest initiative to help a hospice.
St Teresa’s Hospice has launched Make a Will Month with the help of local solicitors in an annual event designed to help people get their affairs in order and raise much-needed funds.
Failing to make a will can lead to untold difficulties among families should the worst happen. Make a Will Month helps people avoid this potential legal minefield and also raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice.
Anyone wanting to take part should contact any of the participating practices below between October 1 and 31:
BHP Law Darlington (01325) 466794
Clark Willis Law Firm LLP (01325) 281111
Macks Darlington (01642) 252828
McGarry & Co. Barnard Castle (01833) 600160
McGarry & Co. Hawes (01969) 666290
Mortons Law (01913) 742555
For a suggested donation of £80 for a single will or £150 for a double, they will receive free advice and a legal will.
Some people also use the occasion to leave a ‘Gift for the Future’ legacy in their wills for St Teresa’s.
St Teresa’s chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Legacies form a key part of the on-going funding of St Teresa's Hospice and gifts that have been left to us have helped us continue to provide our vital services in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
“We are so grateful for the support of all our local solicitors who have offered their time and expertise free of charge. Your ‘Gift for the Future’ will help us plan ahead and could fund important development work in addition to our core services.
“Even a small percentage of people’s estates will make such a difference to the lives of families needing our support. Any support we receive this year is particularly valued as our traditional fundraising has been decimated by the COVID pandemic.
“Understandably, many people do not want to think about making a will and it is surprising how many of us die without doing so. Making a will is relatively easy and probably one of the most important things you can do to ensure your wishes will be carried out after your death, ensuring your family and loved ones are taken care of in the way that you would like.”
There can also be tax advantages to remembering a charity such as St Teresa’s Hospice in a will and, in the past, legacies have helped to extend and improve buildings, furnish patient rooms, improve the gardens, contribute to the volunteer driving service, fund the hospice’s education programme, make substantial contributions towards the annual £3m running costs and service developments.
For more than 30 years St Teresa’s Hospice has provided a range of holistic day, home, in patient, complementary therapy and family support services to anyone with a life-limiting illness helping them live with their conditions and support their carers.
For more information on the hospice Guide to Making and Changing a Will, contact Supporter Services (01325) 254321 or email enquiries@darlingtonhospice.org.uk.