Blackpool solicitors Blackhurst Budd are aiming to raise money for Trinity Hospice as part of a major drive to get people to write a will.
The Edward Street firm is pledging that wills written for an individual or couple from 18 to 22 August will be done so free of charge.
In a move to support the Bispham-based hospice that cares for families throughout Blackpool and the Fylde the firm will ask that the client instead, donate the equivalent of their standard fee to Trinity during this period.
Ian Bentley, Director of the Wills and Probate team at Blackhurst Budd, said the initiative has two great benefits – it encourages people to have a will written, while also raising funds for Trinity.
He said: “All too often people leave it too late to write a will and we want to encourage them to be prepared. This is also a great way for us to help support Trinity Hospice by raising cash.
“We welcome any single individual or couple to contact us to make a will during this week so that we can ensure they have everything set in place for the future. If by doing this we can also help Trinity that is fantastic as the work the hospice does in this community and beyond is vital and therefore it is essential that we support it in any way we can.”
Ian said one particular reason for holding a Will Week and raising awareness of Trinity Hospice is that he and his colleagues are regularly called on to help people make their wills at the end of their lives.
He added: “Solicitors are known for asking people if they have a will written and quite often the reply is ‘no’ but that individual does nothing about it.
“I know it is not something we like to think about but we are all going to reach the end of our lives eventually and it is essential to be prepared.
“We are regularly called to the Hospice, hospitals and nursing homes to help someone make a will at the very last opportunity and that is really sad because this is the last thing people should be thinking about at this time.
“But if you are not prepared there may be claims made in respect of your estate or if you have no relatives and no will your assets will go to the Crown.
“A will really does provide certainty so you can control what happens after your death.”
Head of Fundraising at Trinity Hospice, Linzi Young, said: “Trinity Hospice is thrilled to have been chosen as the local charity to benefit from Blackhurst Budd’s August Will Week.
“Trinity is a special place and is the only local hospice for the people of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre. We provide a lifeline for local people in difficult times and our services are only possible due to the generosity and kindness of loyal supporters such as Blackhurst Budd.
“Trinity’s services make a real difference, our nurses provide first class care and the community relies on us to be there for them in difficult times. Trinity’s goal is to provide vital services for everyone who needs them and we are very encouraged by this good news.
Blackhurst Budd’s Will Week runs from 18 – 22 August and relates to all basic will writing services for individuals or couples which would normally cost £100 or £150.
The service is offered free of charge but anyone taking advantage of the offer is encouraged to make a donation to Trinity Hospice.
Anyone wishing to benefit from Will Week should contact Blackhurst Budd on 01253 629300 to make an appointment.