Our 12 Days of Christmas campaign, highlighting the work of the East Lancashire Hospice looks at the importance of the annual Will Week which starts on January 24

As a charity, East Lancashire Hospice relies on the generosity of its supports to help to fund the care that’s helps to ‘make dying better’ for many

What you may not know is the care given to one in 10 of East Lancashire Hospice patients is thanks to gifts in wills.

The East Lancashire Hospice Will Week runs every year to give the opportunity to make a will, and during this event, the solicitors participating kindly waiver their fee so that the money you would usually pay to them for the service, goes direct to the hospice.

Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors have taken part every year since the scheme started and Director and Solicitor Stuart Maher said: “We are delighted to be involved once again in supporting the hospice and helping its supporters put their affairs in order by making wills and addressing other aspects of later life and future planning.

“Making a will ensures that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death, and your loved ones benefit from your money and your property. Wills are also an important tool in legitimately safeguarding assets from exposure to funding residential and nursing home fees in later life, and for younger adults they can also help to make sure that responsibility for the ongoing care of young children is passed to your intended guardians, rather than being left for the local authority and children’s social services to intervene.

“Charitable giving in your will can help to support the wonderful work the hospice does for our local community, and can also have significant inheritance tax benefits if left to the Hospice or any other charity through a properly structured will drawn up by a professional advisor.”

A hospice supporter who wishes to remain anonymous said: “There comes a time when you start to think about these things. Apart from making sure my family is OK, I want to give something back and know it will still be helping others in the future.

“My family understand and have encouraged me, knowing that this is close to my heart and because they are also grateful for the care I have received and know it will help others too, to get that care.”

Hospice Income Generation Director Sharon Crymble said: “Every gift is precious to us, whether that is 1% or 100%. However large or small it will make a difference.

“Our Will Week runs from January 24 to 28. To register your interest, ring the fundraising department on 01254 287011 and leaving your name and address, or email Info@eastlancshospice.org.uk with Will Week in the subject line.’

"The services we provide our free and our patients tell us the difference is priceless, so we thank you for any help you can give.”