Will offer by Newark solicitors raises thousands for Beaumond House

More than 50 people have taken part in a scheme to have a will drawn up by a Newark firm of solicitors in return for a suggested donation to Beaumond House Community Hospice rather than the usual fee.

Sarah Allen, a solicitor with Tallents, said they were pleased to help Beaumond House.

“We are a long-standing Newark-based firm and we like to support local charities,” she said.

Sarah said a lot of people seemed reluctant to make a will and did not realise the importance of making one.

She was pleased that so many people had taken the opportunity to have one drawn up and raise money for the hospice at the same time.

“We are delighted with the amount raised,” she said. “Having a professionally-drafted will can avoid difficulties for loved ones in the future and seeing a solicitor enables you to obtain a wealth of advice to ensure that all your affairs are in order.”

A donation of £95 was suggested for a single will or £150 for two mirror ones. So far £6,600 has been raised and it is hoped the total will eventually top £7,000.

Fundraising and marketing manager for the hospice Cathy Lowe said it was a wonderful offer by Tallents and she was pleased the initiative had been successful.

“It has involved a significant amount of time and resources and so we are grateful for everything they have done,” she said.

Cathy said she would have been pleased if only a few people had decided to get a will so was delighted that so many had done so.

“This very generous offer seems to have triggered so many people into doing something that perhaps they have been putting off,” she said.

The scheme also gave people the opportunity to think about leaving a gift in their will for Beaumond House.

The hospice needs £1m each year to function, of which a quarter is provided by the NHS with the rest funded by the community.