Liverpool region law boost Barnardo's with free wills service

by Nick Webster. Published Mon 16 Aug 2010 16:53

Three law firms in the Liverpool city region are supporting Barnardo’s new drive to encourage people in the area to make a will – and take up their offer of having one drawn-up for free.

With almost half of the children’s charity’s income from the general public being donated through wills, Barnardo’s has joined forces with Quality Solicitors to offer a free will writing service for those aged 55 years and over.

The scheme is also being supported by international supermodel and actress, Twiggy.

The participating solicitors - ALB Law (Southport), Stephensons Solicitors LLP (St Helen’s Wigan and Leigh) and Lees Solicitors (Birkenhead, Wirral, Chester) - are part of the national Quality Solicitors network. They will be offering the free service to a limited number of people on a first come first served basis from Monday, August 16.

In support of the scheme, Twiggy said: “Will power is wonderful. And you might not know it, but you have it. Support Barnardo’s Gifts in Wills campaign and you have the power to turn around the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. What’s to lose?”

Ginny Harris, Barnardo’s Gifts in Wills marketing manager, said: “Dying without a will can cause many problems for those you leave behind. It is not always right to just assume that everything will go smoothly. And making a will is also an opportunity to make a donation to causes that matter to you. These donations are our lifeblood and make a huge difference to the vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people who we work with.”

By offering this service, Barnardo’s hopes that people will remember the charity in their will but there is no legal obligation to do so.

To find out your nearest participating solicitors visit www.barnardos.org.uk/qualitysolicitors or call 0208 498 7880.

Barnardo’s also offers other free will-writing schemes for over 55s for those who don’t live near to a Quality Solicitor.

Visit www.barnardos.org.uk/giftsinwills for more info.