Member Article

Solicitors waive will writing fee for The Christie

More than 50 solicitors from across the region will waive their usual fees next month in return for a donation to The Christie, the North West’s specialist cancer centre.

During The Christie Charity’s Make a Will Week, from the 15th-19th September 2014, participating solicitors will help people make or update a will for free, when usually it can cost anything up to £150 for a basic will, or more for more complicated wills.

According to the Office of National Statistics approximately half a million people die in the UK each year. If every person who passed away left £1,000 in their will to their chosen charity then UK charities would benefit from a £50 million windfall every year.

Last year alone, The Christie received almost £6 million from money left in wills.

Legacy and research officer at The Christie Charity, Christina Whitham said: “Make a Will Week is now in its fifth year and is firmly established in The Christie Charity’s calendar, having raised nearly £50,000 to date.

“This money makes a huge difference to our patients, helping to fund research, treatment and extra support services. Over 50 solicitors are kindly taking part in this year’s Make a Will Week and we’re extremely grateful for them giving up their time and money for this important cause.”

Judith Bromley, Partner at Russell and Russell in Bolton said: “We’re pleased to be involved in The Christie’s Make a Will Week.

“This initiative, which helps support the local community in raising funds for this most worthy of causes, was really successful last year and we’re looking forward to taking part again this year.”

To get involved visit www.christiewillweek.org for a list of participating solicitors or you can contact Christina Whitham on 0161 918 7424.

The suggested minimum donation is £90 for a basic single will or £135 for a pair of basic ‘mirror wills’ which are ideal for couples.

Solicitors will offer a free, standard will writing and updating service on the understanding that supporters will make a donation and perhaps consider including a gift in their will to The Christie Charity.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .