Second Make a Will scheme steps in right direction
July, 2011
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice annual Make a Will campaign has got off to a flying start this year, thanks to a donation of £1,336 from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
The money, which will be used towards promoting this year’s Make a Will initiative, was raised through donations from STEP members and guests at the society’s annual dinner at the Priory in Edgbaston.
In 2010, 11 law firms from across Birmingham and beyond participated in the Selly Park-based Hospice’s first ever Make a Will Week, raising in excess of £10,000 to fund care for local people with life-limiting illnesses.
This year’s Make a Will campaign, instead of just a week, will run for 11 days from September 5 and will involve lawyers dotted around the city and outlying West Midlands towns.
Alex Elphinston, chairman of the Birmingham branch of STEP, said: “We like to support a local charity each year and are delighted to be help the work of the Hospice in this way. The Make a Will initiative will not only help the Hospice but all who take part, so as to bring peace of mind for the individuals and their families.”
Hospice Head of Fundraising and Marketing Caroline Taylor added: “We were overwhelmed by the success of last year’s Make a Will Week. Nearly 70 people went to participating solicitors to make wills in aid of Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.
“We’re hoping the 2011 event will prove just as successful and we’re delighted it’s got off to a fantastic start, thanks to STEP’s wonderful donation. We will use this money wisely to promote this year’s campaign to ensure even more people sign up this September.”
Caroline added: “We also had many people calling after 2010 Make a Will Week to see if they could still participate, so this year we’re giving people a longer period in which to take advantage of this offer.”
Throughout the Make a Will campaign, solicitors will write free wills in return for a donation to Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice. The suggested donation is £80 for a single will or £130 for mirror wills. For further information, please contact Caroline on 0121 472 1191.
Money raised through the Make a Will campaign will fund care for people with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Aids in Birmingham and Sandwell.
It will also pay for bereavement support for relatives, no matter how young or old, for as long as is needed.Each year Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for around 1,000 people, the majority of whom are looked after in their own homes. A small number also stay at the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit for respite of symptom control.
Birmingham St Mary’s also has a Day Hospice, where patients can visit once a week to receive medical support, a range of therapies and friendship. This service also gives carers some much-needed time off.
Fundraisers at the Hospice need to bring in nearly £2.5 million each year towards the £6.4 million annual running costs. Other funding comes from the charity’s nine shops and the NHS.
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners is the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues. STEP members help families plan their long-term financial future, facilitating good stewardship and financial planning across future generations. STEP members also help families comply with the often complex law and tax rules surrounding trusts, estates and inheritance.
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