Local charity Dove House Hospice are launching their Make a Will appeal, which runs from 5th to 16th October, and encouraging local people take the time to think about their future planning, and write a Will as part of the scheme between.
Dove House have partnered with local solicitors for Make a Will to raise awareness of the importance of having an up-to-date Will in place and to raise vital funds for Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire’s only adult hospice after the success of last year’s campaign which raised £9,529 for the charity.
The local solicitors who have joined the hospice for this scheme have donated their time and waived their usual fee, asking those writing a Will to make a donation to Dove House in line with this usual cost instead. So, instead of paying a solicitor, you can make a donation to a worthwhile cause instead.
Rebecca Brambles, Family Support Team Leader at Dove House Hospice, said: “The Family Support Team is here to offer patients and their families the time and space to express their wishes, thoughts and feelings around death and dying. We understand that these conversations can be deeply emotional and not having your affairs in order can add further stress and uncertainty at an already difficult time.
“We encourage everyone to consider making a Will, as this can provide reassurance that you have made informed decisions about your wishes and how you would like your assets to be managed. It can also help to protect and support those who are closest to you, giving you and your loved ones greater peace of mind.”
Jonny Bottomley, Partnerships Development Fundraiser at the hospice, added: “There are so many life events that may prompt you to make a Will; from becoming a grandparent to buying a new home, getting married, or getting diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Whatever the reason, writing a Will gives you the power to decide how your assets are dealt with after your death and is an invaluable tool to help protect your family’s future.
The Make a Will appeal helps you get your affairs in order and also gives that feel-good factor of knowing you are supporting hospice care in your local community at the same time. The funds raised from last year’s appeal could cover the cost of 76 shifts for a nurse on the Inpatient Unit, or 154 Complementary Therapy sessions here at the hospice and we’re hoping to raise even more this year to have an even bigger impact!”
As well as calling for local people to make their Wills the hospice is also encouraging local business to set up Wills Days for their employees where the Dove House team organise for a local solicitor to visit the business and meet with staff to organise their Wills. Last year businesses including Aunt Bessie’s, Toppan-Trident, Birdseye, Hull College, Haven Veterinary Group, Essity, WJ Group and Nexus all held a Wills Day to help prepare their staff for the future.
To participate in the appeal, simply go to www.dovehouse.org.uk/makeawill and register to receive your information pack, which contains a full list of participating organisations, or find out how to organise a Wills Day. Alternatively, call the Dove House Fundraising team on 01482 785743 or email fundraising@dovehouse.org.uk.