Francis House Children’s Hospice Launches ‘Make a Will Month’ Campaign for 2024
Manchester, UK – Francis House Children’s Hospice has joined forces with solicitors across Greater Manchester to promote their annual ‘Make a Will Month’ campaign. The campaign aims to encourage members of the public to make a Will during the month of September, while also raising funds for the hospice’s ongoing care and support for children and young adults with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
The initiative, which will run from September 1 until September 30, offers individuals and couples the opportunity to have a simple Will drawn up or amended by participating legal firms in return for a suggested donation of £100 for an individual or £175 for a double Will. This represents a significant discount on standard legal fees, with all proceeds going towards supporting the vital services provided by Francis House.
Louise Salisbury, Head of Wills, Probate and Trusts at AST Hampsons Solicitors in Bury, expressed her firm’s support for the campaign, saying: “We at AST Hampsons are proud to collaborate with Francis House in their ‘Make a Will’ campaign. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and help fund crucial care and support for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions. By donating to the Hospice instead of paying for a basic Will, families can receive the comfort and assistance they need during what is often a challenging time in their lives.”
Established in 1991, Francis House Children’s Hospice provides a range of services to over 600 families from across Greater Manchester, including respite care, homecare, sibling support, end of life care, and bereavement support. Susie Poppitt, spokesperson for the hospice, emphasized the importance of having a Will in place, stating: “None of us wants to consider our own mortality, but it’s essential to ensure that our loved ones are properly provided for. By participating in the ‘Make a Will Month’ campaign, individuals can make a real difference to families in the region whose children are cared for by Francis House.”
In addition to providing for loved ones, making a Will can also have significant tax benefits. With the rise in property prices, more homeowners are finding themselves within the Inheritance Tax band. By leaving a gift to Francis House in the form of a legacy, individuals can potentially reduce or avoid paying this tax. Participating solicitors can offer expert advice in this area.
Leaving a legacy gift in a Will is also a meaningful way to support Francis House, which relies heavily on donations in the form of legacies. The ‘Make a Will Month’ campaign provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in need.
Participating solicitors, including Glaisyers ETL in Manchester, O’Donnell Solicitors in Uppermill, Bromleys in Ashton Under Lyne, AST Hampsons in Bury, and Wrigley Claydon in Oldham, will provide their services and expertise free of charge during the month of September, asking instead for a donation to Francis House Children’s Hospice.
To learn more about the campaign and book an appointment with a participating solicitor, visit www.francishouse.org.uk/will-month.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.