Solicitors waive will writing fee for The Christie

Pam Walsh, a lawyer at Hartley Thomas & Wright

The Christie, the North West’s specialist cancer centre, is encouraging people to make a will, with the support of more than 50 solicitors from across the region including three in the local area - Hartley Thomas and Wright, South Parade, Rochdale and Latimer Lee LLP and Temperley Taylor LLP in Heywood.

During The Christie Charity’s Make a Will Week, from the 15-19 September 2014, the 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.

Karen Nuttall from Timperley Taylor LLP in Heywood said: “We’re pleased to be involved in The Christie’s Make a Will Week for a third year. The Christie is incredibly important to people in our local area and we’re happy to support the work they do for cancer patients and their families.

"Making a will is crucial to ensure your wishes are carried out when you die and we hope we can help people through this process, giving them piece of mind."

Mr Addington from Hartley Thomas & Wright said: “Hartley Thomas & Wright are proud to say that the firm has supported the Christie’s Make a Will Week for the last 4 years.

"This will be the 5th year we have supported this worthwhile charity. We believe the work they do at Christie’s is invaluable and will do all we can to support them and to contribute to them through this initiative."

Legacy and research officer at The Christie Charity, Christina Whitham said: “It’s never too early to make a will and as life changes with getting married, having children, buying a house or retiring it often needs updating. Leaving a gift in your will, however big or small, to a cause close to the heart, makes a huge difference to charities.

"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.”

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.

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