A good reason to make a will

Solicitors in Paisley are urging people to take advantage of a charity will-writing scheme.

Legal firms in the town have signed up to take part in Will Aid, which officially launched this month.

The initiative helps people prepare this important piece of paperwork with a professional during the month of November in exchange for a voluntary donation to Will Aid.

It is being endorsed by TV presenter Robert Peston, who said this was the perfect opportunity for people to get their affairs in order – and urged anyone who would like to write a will through Will Aid to make their appointments as soon as possible.

“When my late wife Siân Busby and I wrote our wills in our early 40s, we assumed this was boring insurance for an event that would never happen,” he said.

“Only 10 years later, Siân died after a horrible illness, and it fell to me to sort out her affairs.

“Devastated by grief, not really thinking straight, I was so grateful that she had written down what she wanted to do with her money and possessions and had given clear instructions about what should be done with her ashes.

“Although the act of writing a will can be upsetting – it probably will be – the pain and disruption for your family if you have not written one is likely to be far worse.”

A recent study by Will Aid, which takes place across the country between November 1 and 3, found that 50 per cent of adults have not prepared this vital piece of paperwork.

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid said: “People should log onto the Will Aid website to find participating solicitors in their area and make their appointment now, as available slots are being snapped up.

“Having a will is one of the most important, yet easiest things to tick off the to- do list and our charities benefit as a result. We need more solicitors to sign up to be part of the scheme and help local people write a will, as well as helping us make the 30th anniversary the best yet in terms of money raised.”

The suggested voluntary donation for your basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.

Those who wish to book a will can make their November appointments now via www. willaid.org.uk or by calling 0300 0309 558.

Last year Will Aid raised more than £1 million for its charity partners.