Thanks to the support of solicitor firms in Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire, a total of £42,000 has been raised for The Forever Friends Appeal, the fundraising charity of the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
The incredible amount was achieved by the generosity of 15 solicitor firms who waived their Will writing fees during the annual RUH Will Month fundraising scheme, offering the public the opportunity to have a Will drawn up professionally at a reduced cost.
Jan Witt, In Memory & Legacy Officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said: “This is the biggest amount raised so far by our scheme and we are very appreciative of the generous support given to us by the solicitors who work extremely hard to help as many people as possible to draw up thousands of Wills throughout September last year.
“RUH Will Month has been running for three years and it has proved to be very valuable to the Appeal. Not only does it raise significant funds towards the work we do helping to fund projects and equipment for all areas across the hospital, but also provides a yearly reminder to the public, to focus on getting their affairs in order to ensure their savings and possessions go to the people they love and care for.”
Amongst the solicitor firms involved in the scheme, Bath-based Helen Starkie solicitors raised £10,000, making them a Corporate Partner of The Forever Friends Appeal.
Gina Lawrence, of Helen Starkie Solicitors said: “Everyone needs a Will in place to help get their affairs in order, whilst providing peace of mind. We are so pleased to offer our specialist service in this area which supports such a worthy charity and at the same time benefits patients cared for at the RUH.
“We have met some lovely people during the annual RUH Will month scheme and are pleased to help raise funds towards The Forever Friends Appeal.
“Our support over the last three years has raised £10,000 which has now enabled Helen Starkie Solicitor to become one of the Appeal’s Corporate Partners, which is an added bonus and will provide a great working partnership.”
The RUH Will month scheme runs during September only. During that time people will have the opportunity to put their affairs in order by having a single standard Will written for £100 or standard Mirror Wills or joint Wills for £150.
Details of the firms taking part for 2018 will be announced later this year.