Rochdale solicitors taking part in the annual Will Aid charity campaign

People in Rochdale are being encouraged to get their affairs in order during a charity will-writing scheme, by booking an appointment before availability runs out.

Will Aid takes place every November and provides people with a perfect opportunity to get a professionally written will while supporting a good cause. Participating solicitors waive their fee for writing basic wills and instead ask clients to donate to the campaign.

There are two firms in Rochdale participating in Will Aid - The Lawyers Firm, Kingsway, and Affinity Seven Law Solicitors Ltd, Drake Street and one in Heywood - Sharp Cross & Mann on York Street.

Zoe Clough, from Sharp Cross & Mann LLP, said: “We’re very proud to offer our support to Will Aid this year, for us it was an easy decision.

“The scheme provides people with a perfect opportunity to get a professionally written will, therefore ensuring their wishes are protected when they die.

“Additionally, it allows us to support nine important causes, whose finances have been impacted greatly as a result of the coronavirus.”

Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid, said: “The pandemic has taught us all how precious and fragile life is. With Will Aid appointments getting booked up in Rochdale, it’s clear that fact remains firmly in people’s minds.

“While it may only seem like a piece of paperwork, a will is an incredibly important document which plays a big role in our lives and the lives of those close to us. A will helps ensure our final wishes are protected and makes things that much easier for the people we leave behind.

“By getting a will during Will Aid you will have access to a fantastic network of solicitors in your area, who are generously volunteering their time and expertise to help get your affairs in order. Not only that, but all donations also support the life-changing work of our nine partner charities.”

 

 

Mr de Vena Franks continued: “Like organisations across the world, the impact coronavirus has had on our partner charities’ finances has been significant. While their finances have fallen, their workload has only increased.

“Every donation to Will Aid helps our partner charities provide life-changing services to the people they support.”

The benefits of getting a professionally written will during Will Aid was highlighted on The Martin Lewis Money Show recently.

Mr Lewis said: “A will is what will dictate where your money goes. If you own a property with someone else, if your circumstances have changed, remember if you get married in England and Wales your will is revoked at that point.”

Mr Lewis, who described Will Aid as ‘a great scheme’, added: “Book it now because it fills up very quickly.

“They ask for a charity donation, a suggested £100 – which is pretty cheap for a solicitor drafted will – or £180 for a pair of mirror will, that’s where you both have the same will but it reflects to the other one.”

All money raised is shared between Will Aid’s partner charities: ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, Sightsavers and Trocaire.

Last year, the generosity of solicitors and members of the public helped raise more than £655,000 for the charities.

People interested in booking a Will Aid appointment before available slots run out can do so by visiting www.willaid.org.uk or by calling 0300 0300 013.