Will Aid – Will You?

St Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow

November marks the start of the month-long fundraising campaign Will Aid, whereby members of the public are encouraged to sit down with a solicitor to draft up their will whilst also raising vital funds for a range of worthy causes.

The idea is the brainchild of solicitor Graeme Pagan, and is organised by nine of the UK’s leading charities (ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, NSPCC, Save the Children UK, Sight Savers International, SCIAF and Trocaire). The concept came to Pagan over twenty years ago when he was inspired by the spirit of Live Aid. Wanting to start something in the same vein he devised a way the legal profession could provide an important service whilst also benefitting a range of charities.

Solicitors, who volunteer their time, draw up a basic wills free of charge, in return clients donate to the fee they would normally have paid to the Will Aid charities. Although customers are free to donate as much, or as little, as they choose the suggested donation level is £75 for a single Will, £110 for mirror Wills and £40 for a codicil.

A range of celebrities lend their support to the cause, these include Richard Briers, Dame Judi Dench, Annette Crosbie and Graham Norton. Actress Annette Crosbie says, "Will Aid offers us the opportunity to achieve so much just from writing or updating our Will. We can provide for our nearest and dearest, knowing that our donation to Will Aid will help transform the lives of thousands more people all over the World, and as if this wasn't enough, we can also choose to leave a legacy to our favourite charity so that their good work can continue for years to come."

Since the campaign’s launch in 1988 an amazing £7 million has been raised. Overwhelming public support means the biennial event is to this year change to an annual one for the first time.

To find participating solicitors near you check out: www.willaid.org.uk