Francis House Children’s Hospice launches ‘Make a Will Month’ campaign

Francis House Children’s Hospice has launched a new legacy scheme to encourage members of the public to consider making a Will during the month of September.

Based in Didsbury near Manchester, the hospice provides care and support to the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

‘Make a Will month’ is running from September 1 to September 29 and Francis House is hoping to raise awareness within the local community of the importance of making a Will, and the benefits of leaving a charitable bequest.

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.

Louise Salisbury, Partner and Head of the Wills and Probate Team at AST Hampsons in Rochdale said: “AST are proud to be involved in this initiative with Francis House. Funding is vital for its survival. By making a Will under the scheme and paying them instead of us – or leaving a legacy to Francis House will further strengthen the future of the Hospice.”

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

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.”

The six participating solicitors 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.

For full details of the legal firms taking part and to book an appointment visit www.francishouse.org.uk/will-month