Law firm’s delight at £55,000 Will Aid milestone

Cash is raised over 20 years

A law firm in Dunblane has raised a staggering £55,217 after taking part in a charity will writing scheme for the last 20 years.

Bartys, a branch of Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, first joined Will Aid in 2000 to write wills for people free of charge, in exchange for a voluntary donation.

Beth Hamilton, partner at the firm, said: “We have really enjoyed taking part in the Will Aid campaign for the last two decades and we are absolutely delighted to have reached this significant fundraising milestone.

“Will Aid is a fantastic initiative which targets the many adults in the UK who don’t have a will, as well as helping nine incredible charities.”

Will Aid has raised more than £21 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies, for the nine partner charities since it launched in 1988.

Campaign director Peter de Vena Franks said: “Thanks to the commitment of local solicitors that took part in Will Aid 2020, many people both in the UK and abroad will receive life-changing support, and local people who used the scheme have gained peace of mind thanks to having a professionally drawn up will.

“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Bartys for their incredible efforts, especially during such a difficult year.”

Will Aid takes place every November and participating solicitors volunteer their time and expertise and waive their fee for writing a basic will. Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid.

These donations support nine charities - ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland).

The suggested voluntary donation for a basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.

Will Aid always needs more solicitors to take part, for more information about how to sign up visit www. willaid.org.uk/solicitors

We have really enjoyed taking part in the Will Aid campaign for the last two decades Beth Hamilton