Luton solicitors encourage people to take advantage of charity will-writing scheme

Solicitors in Luton are urging people to take advantage of a charity will-writing scheme after demand for wills soars in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dozens of legal firms in the region have signed up to take part in Will Aid to help meet local need, including Owens Solicitors, on Park Street West, have signed up for the 2020 campaign.

The initiative helps people prepare this important piece of paperwork with a professional during the month of November in exchange for a voluntary donation to Will Aid.

Patron Robert Peston is urging anyone who would like to write a will through Will Aid to make their appointments as soon as possible.

He said: “Although the act of writing a will can be upsetting – it probably will be – the pain and disruption for your family if you have not written one is likely to be far worse."

Mr Peston’s wife Siân Busby died in her 50s after a horrible illness, and he said the recent health crisis reminded him that life was short, and precious.

“Devastated by grief, not really thinking straight, I was so grateful that she had written down what she wanted to do with her money and possessions and had given clear instructions about what should be done with her ashes,” he said.

During Will Aid - which takes place across the country between November 1, and 30 - legal firms across the region give up some of their time in return for a voluntary donation which is then split between nine UK charities.

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign Ddrector for Will Aid said: “People should log onto the Will Aid website to find participating solicitors in their area and make their appointment now, as available slots are being snapped up.

“Having a will is one of the most important, yet easiest things to tick off the to-do list and our charities benefit as a result.”

Jon Jacques, chair of Will Aid, said: “Will Aid relies on the philanthropy of our participating solicitors who so generously donate their time and waive their fees to write thousands of wills for people each year.

“As well as helping thousands of local people by providing them with the security of a professionally drawn-up will, these generous solicitors are helping the vital work of nine of the UK’s most highly regarded charities – ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF and Trocaire.”

The suggested voluntary donation for your basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.

Those who wish to book a will can make their November appointments now via the website - www.willaid.org.uk - or by calling us on 0300 0300 013.

Last year Will Aid raised almost £900,000 for its charity partners.