WJM Dunblane pledges support to charities during will writing campaign
By Legal Events and Beth Hamilton
The firm based in Dunblane has pledged its support to nine charities by signing up to an annual will-writing campaign
Bartys, a branch Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), has been a part of the Will Aid scheme for 27 years, helping raise vital donations every November by writing basic wills and waiving their usual fee, instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid.
In total, the firm has raised £56,477 for Will Aid since it first took part and is aiming to make this their best year yet.
Beth Hamilton, head partner at WJM Dunblane, said: “Will Aid is an exceptional campaign that offers people the chance to get a professionally written will while supporting important causes that change lives for the better both here in the UK and around the world.
“As solicitors, we’re delighted to volunteer our time and expertise to support such a fantastic campaign and are hoping to raise a lot of money that will go towards supporting vulnerable people here in the UK, many of whom have been further impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.”
Solicitors taking part in the campaign waive their fees for will-writing services throughout November, instead inviting clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid.
The suggested voluntary donation for a basic single will is £100, or £180 for a pair of mirror wills.
Donations support nine of the UK’s best-loved charities - ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland), and Trocaire (N. Ireland).
In total, Will Aid has raised more than £24 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies, for the nine partner charities since it launched in 1988.
Celebrity supporters include national treasure Dame Judi Dench and Robert Peston.
This year the charity conducted a poll that revealed that 59% of UK adults still do not have a will in place.
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid campaign director, said: “We are very grateful that Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie has signed up to this year’s campaign, it is only thanks to the commitment of firms like Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie volunteering their time that the campaign can continue to raise much needed donations for our partner charities.