Writing a will can make all the difference

Local people are being encouraged to plan for the future and draw up a will during Make a Will Fortnight – Monday 3 to Friday 14 October.

By writing a Will you can make sure any assets are distributed where you wish to see them go – to dependents or by leaving a legacy to an organisation you would like to see benefit.

Each year, tens of thousands of people die without having made a Will and almost two thirds of the adult population are yet to make one.

Bury Hospice has teamed up with local solicitors to encourage people to make a Will. During the fortnight you can have a basic Will professionally written and receive expert advice in exchange for a donation to Bury Hospice (a similar amount to what the fee would have been).

Some people decide to leave a legacy to Bury Hospice in their Will, others wish to leave their estate to family members – you simply have to make your wishes known.

If people die without making a Will their assets are distributed according to the rules of intestacy. This can result in partners or even a spouse not receiving anything.
For those who wish to leave a gift to Bury Hospice, any sum donated, whether the donor is alive or donating through a Will, will help.

Recently two very generous legacies helped launch the Building a new Hospice for Bury campaign provided half of the £4.2 million needed to build the new hospice.

Karen Fyles, Fundraising Support Manager of Bury Hospice said: “Currently the care of approximately one in five of our patients is paid for through a gift left in a Will. This is why legacies are so important to Bury Hospice - a gift of any amount really does make a difference.

“In the past legacies have contributed towards running costs, contributed towards staff time and towards the costs of new equipment and services.

“After you have provided for those you care for, please consider Bury Hospice in your Will to help benefit future families using Bury Hospice.”

For information on which solicitors in your area are taking part please call Karen Fyles at the Bury Hospice fundraising office on 0161 797 1748 or email karenfyles@buryhospice.org.uk