Make a will and help St John's Hospice in Lancaster at the same time

Exercising regularly, learning a new skill, reading more are all common New Year’s resolutions, but as this may be one of the hardest starts to a New Year that you’ve ever had, a Lancaster charity is asking you to consider a different, but simple and important resolution for 2021 – arranging a Will.
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Running from February 8-19, St John’s Hospice’s ‘Wills Fortnight’ means people can make their all-important Will with one of many local solicitors, who will waive their professional fees.

A Will can have a far reaching and positive impact that goes beyond many of the resolutions we make and finish in the first weeks of a new year, but many of us put off making a Will, mistakenly thinking it’s morbid, that it tempts fate or that we don’t really need one yet.

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However, people who have made a Will tend to be more relaxed having made their Will because they know that their personal wishes will be carried out.

Maddy Bass, director of Nursing and Quality, St John’s Hospice.Maddy Bass, director of Nursing and Quality, St John’s Hospice.
Maddy Bass, director of Nursing and Quality, St John’s Hospice.

A hard fact is that if you die without a Will, it’s the law that decides who gets what, which may not be the same as what you want for your family and friends.

Maddy Bass, Director of Nursing and Quality at St John's Hospice said: “In my experience, people who are nearing the end of their life are much calmer knowing they have a Will in place and their wishes are clear. Wills help to prevent unnecessary distress for you and your loved ones in an already upsetting time; I would highly recommend getting one in place sooner rather than later – it can always be updated in the future.”

Stuart Nelson, Trust and Legacy Manager at St John’s Hospice said: “Making your Will is vitally important and surprisingly straightforward. Sadly, many people don’t get around to it, leaving family confused and worried about next steps at an already difficult time. With no valid Will in place, the law decides what happens to your wealth and belongings and it might not be what you want. So make 2021 the year you do something about it. Don’t worry about the impact of lockdown restrictions, it can still be done very easily.”

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There are lots of measures in place to make sure you can write a Will in a safe way, following COVID-19 restrictions, such as phone and video calls with solicitors, posted paperwork and socially distanced witnesses to your Will. Everything will be explained by your solicitor, and the most convenient option for you will be found.

For more information on how to make it happen and support your Hospice at the same time, simply text WILLS and your name and address to 78900, visit sjhospice.org.uk/willsfortnight or you call the Hospice on 01524 382538 and ask for a ‘Wills Fortnight Pack’.

You will be given a list of local solicitors who are participating who you can then call and make an appointment for a time during Wills Fortnight.

Your Will is then professionally prepared and rather than paying the solicitors for their service you are invited to make a donation to St John’s Hospice.