The Forever Friends Appeal has gained a welcome boost to its funds with the news that the RUH’s ‘Will Month’ fundraising initiative last September raised over £31,000.
The money will go towards the care of patients at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic diseases (RNHRD).
The annual fundraising scheme enlists the support of local firms of solicitors who, through their generosity, waived their usual fee and reduced the cost of their professional will writing services which they donated towards the hospital’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal.
The initiative offers the general public the opportunity to have a Will drawn up professionally at a reduced cost, with a single standard Will for £100 or standard Mirror Wills at £150.
Since the scheme was first introduced in September 2015 it has raised an amazing total of £65,000 to help fund projects that make a real difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients cared for by the Trust each year.
Jan Witt, Legacy Officer RUH explained: “RUH Will Month has been very valuable to the appeal since we first introduced it. Not only does it raise significant funds towards the work we do helping to fund projects and equipment for all areas across the hospitals, but provides a yearly reminder to the public, to focus on getting their affairs in order and sort out the things that are likely to matter most to them after they die.
“Taking part in the scheme not only helps to put their affairs in order providing them with peace of mind, but also an opportunity for them to support their local hospital.
“We are very appreciative of the generous support given to us by local solicitors who work extremely hard to help as many people as possible to draw up thousands of Wills throughout the month of September.
“The Appeal is extremely grateful to the following organisations; Ames Kent Solicitors, Awdry Bailey & Douglas, BLB, Burningham & Brown, Farnfields, FDC Law, Forrester Sylvester Mackett, Harris & Harris, Helen Starkie solicitor, Mowbray Woodwards, Mogers Drewett, Thatcher & Hallam LLP, Wards and Royds Withy King solicitors.
“The success of the amount raised this year is a testament of their sheer hard work, together with the generosity of the public who came forward to have their Wills written under the scheme. We would like to thank each and every one of them.”
“The charity, relies on donations and gifts in Wills to help the RUH to continue to provide the very best treatment, medical equipment and facilities for all the patients it cares for across Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire and further afield.
“This annual scheme is an ideal way to raise awareness of the importance of having an up to date Will, with the opportunity for the public to choose and support a specific area of the hospital’s work; now and in the future.
“We are so pleased and overwhelmed with the response again this year and we hope that September 2017 will be just as successful!”
If you are thinking about updating or making a Will and would like to receive an information leaflet to the scheme for this year, contact Jan Witt on 01225 825819 or email [email protected].
