Wills week donations boost hospice coffers

A Lancashire hospice’s coffers have been boosted by more than £5,500 thanks to support from leading law firm Birchall Blackburn Law.

The firm teamed up with St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall, near Preston, for its annual Wills Week, waiving its will-writing fees in return for a donation to the charity.

The week-long initiative saw teams from Birchall Blackburn Law’s Preston, Chorley and Leyland offices write 50 wills, raising a total of £5,630 for the hospice.

Cathy Maccracken, partner at Birchall Blackburn Law said: “St Catherine’s Hospice is a cause close to so many people’s hearts and a charity we are delighted to support. Once again Wills Week was very well supported and gave people the opportunity to sort out their Will and support a much-loved charity at the same time.

“All of the money raised throughout the week will go directly to St Catherine’s to help it continue the vital work it does.”

Birchall Blackburn Law also recently launched a legal helpdesk at St Catherine’s Hospice to give its visitors the opportunity to speak to expert lawyers on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Elderly Client Services.

Lynne Whittaker, senior fundraiser and Wills Week organizer at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “The commitment Birchall Blackburn Law has shown to our Wills Week in recent years has been fantastic.

“The week is a great example of how people can use their own expert skills and precious time to really make a difference to local people. Not only are the funds raised so important to St Catherine’s – helping us to continue delivering our specialised care – the initiative means there are many more people in the Central Lancashire area who now have an up to date Will. This will ensure their wishes are carried out, and helps to reduce the stress for loved ones at an already extremely difficult time. “We’d like to say a big thank you to Birchall Blackburn Law for its significant contribution to Wills Week and on-going help with our monthly drop-in legal clinics held at The Mill in St Catherine’s Park, which provide useful advice on a whole range of issues.”