This September create a Will and help Francis House Children’s Hospice

Make a Will Month returns this September and solicitors across Greater Manchester will once again be partnering with Francis House Children’s Hospice to offer their Will writing service for free in return for a donation to the charity.

Participating legal firms have agreed to give their time and expertise to draw up a simple Will or amend an existing Will in return for a suggested donation of £100 for an individual or £175 for a double Will for married couples or partners. This represents a substantial saving on the standard fees for the service.

Organisers at the hospice are encouraging individuals to consider leaving a legacy gift in their Wills to ensure the invaluable care provided to the families of children and young adults with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions can continue long into the future.

Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides respite care, homecare, sibling support and bereavement support. The hospice has three Rainbow Rooms that are specially cooled rooms that allow families time with their child after death and until the funeral. The bedrooms and adjoining lounges give families space and privacy to say their goodbyes. Throughout their stay, families are fully supported by the hospice team.

Susie Poppitt of Francis House Children’s Hospice said: “By making a Will during September through one of our participating solicitors, not only will you be safeguarding your family’s future but you’ll also be supporting your local children’s hospice. Many people don’t realise that a change in family circumstances like moving home, starting a family or getting married, provides an ideal opportunity for making a Will.”

“Leaving a legacy gift in a Will is a meaningful way of supporting our children’s hospice. We rely heavily on donations in the form of legacies and any gift that you choose to make in the form of a legacy will be treasured by everyone at Francis House. We would like to express our gratitude to participating firms for offering their expertise in support of this scheme.”

Participating solicitors, including Glaisyers ETL in Manchester, Hargreaves Gilman in Didsbury, Bromleys in Ashton Under Lyne, AST Hampsons in Bury and Wrigley Claydon in Oldham, will provide their services and expertise without charge during the month of September, asking instead for a donation to Francis House.

Chris Burrows, the Head of Private Client Services at Glaisyers, expressed his support of the campaign, stating: “Supporting Francis House through Make a Will Month allows us to make a meaningful difference to families facing incredibly difficult circumstances. By offering our expertise, we hope to encourage more people to consider making or updating their Will while also helping to secure the future of such an essential charity. A legacy gift, no matter the size, can have a lasting impact, and we are proud to play a part in that.”

Since the appeal was launched in 2023, more than 40 people have participated in Make a Will Month and raised £6,000 in donations for the hospice in lieu of fees.

Rita and Peter Hovington decided to make a Will through the scheme. Rita said: “People shy away from making a Will but it helps those left behind as they can feel safe in the knowledge that your wishes are expressed in the Will. It also gives you peace of mind that your family will benefit when anything happens to you.

“The service we received under the Francis House ‘Make a Will’ scheme was very good and everything was put down plainly and clearly and with understanding from the solicitor. We also thought Francis House was a worthy cause and were happy to support them with a donation.”

The Francis House ‘Make a Will Month’ scheme is running from September 1 until September 30.

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