Children’s hospice launches ‘Make a Will Month’ campaign

TAMESIDE legal firms Thompson & Cooke in Stalybridge, and Bromleys in Ashton Under Lyne, have backed a new legacy scheme launched by Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Francis House is based in Didsbury and supports the families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions from across the region including Tameside.

‘Make a Will month’ is encouraging members of the public to consider making a Will during the month of September.

Running from September 1 to September 29 the hospice is hoping to raise awareness within the local community of the importance of making a Will, and the benefits of leaving a charitable bequest.

Six participating solicitors across Greater Manchester, have kindly agreed to provide their time and expertise at a substantially discounted rate, either drawing up or amending a simple Will for an individual for a suggested donation of £100 or £175 for a double Will for married couples or partners.

Legacies in Wills left for Francis House Children’s Hospice, are a crucial part of income, allowing the hospice to provide the very best respite, homecare, end of life care and bereavement support to more than 600 families.

Joanne Jones, Acting Head of Wills & Probate at Bromleys said: “Francis House offers such important assistance to the community, we are proud to be able to support them during Will Month. Making a Will is so important, so that we can ensure that our loved ones are properly taken care of after we are gone – so this is the perfect opportunity for people to support a really worthwhile organisation and get their affairs in order at the same time.”

Anyone signing up to make a Will throughout the month of September will not only benefit from a significantly discounted service but will also have the satisfaction of knowing that their future planning for their own family will make a real difference to a much loved charity.

Rachael Taylor of Francis House said: “It’s all too easy to put off making a Will but drawing up a Will is the most important thing you can do to protect your family’s future.

“A Will doesn’t just cover finances and property, but also legal guardians for your children, funeral arrangements, and any donations you would like to leave to charity.

“There is no obligation to leave a gift to Francis House when participating in our Make A Will Month, but should you choose to do so, a gift to charity can reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax you have to pay or may even result in you avoiding paying it altogether.

“We are really grateful to all of the solicitors who have joined forces with us and kindly given up their time and expertise to play such a crucial role in ensuring the success of our campaign.”

Solicitors taking part include: Thompson & Cooke in Stalybridge, AST Hampsons in Bury and Rochdale, Bromleys in Ashton Under Lyne, Ogden, Lyles & Fox in Irlam, O’Donnell in Uppermill, and Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers in Oldham.

To find out more about participating in the scheme visit www.francishouse.org.uk/will-month

Anyone wanting to book an appointment with Joanne Jones in Ashton Under Lyne can ring 0161 330 6821.