Give generously while planning your wishes

More than half of British adults have made no will, a new survey has revealed. The study, carried out by Will Aid, which runs a charity will-writing campaign every November, found that 51% of adults have not prepared this vital piece of paperwork.

And some regions fare worse than others.

In Northern Ireland almost 64% of those questioned admitted they had no will while 55% in Yorkshire and the Humber said they had no paperwork in place and 53% of Scots had not got around to it either.

The Welsh were the most organised with just 41% with no will.

For Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid, says that Will Aid Month is the perfect time to get one organised.

“Every year we carry out a poll to work out how many Britons have no will in place and the figures are always shocking.

“Will Aid is a fantastic way to tick this important piece of paperwork off your to-do list whilst also making a real difference with a charitable donation.”

Will Aid Month, which takes place every November, encourages people to write a will with the help of a professional solicitor.

Law firms pledge their time to write basic wills, with clients making a voluntary donation to Will Aid instead. Donations support the vital work of the nine partner charities.

For celebrity Will Aid supporter, Graham Norton, his personal experiences of death have led him to accept the importance of planning for the future.

“In my life I have come face-toface with death on two occasions,” he explains. “On the first, my own life was threatened after I was stabbed during a mugging in Queen’s Park and lost nearly half my blood.

“The second involved the loss of my father Billy who died shortly after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“Both made me realise that life is too short. And both made me accept that death is very, very final. There are no comebacks, revivals or retaliations.

“A will is therefore a vital document that allows you to pass on your final wishes to the people you love most.

“It is also the only way to ensure those people are provided for.

“Making a will with Will Aid means peace of mind. You never know what is around the corner and drawing up this simple document allows you to continue living each day to the full without worrying about what happens after the thunderbolt.”

The recommended donation for your basic will with Will Aid is £95 for a single and £150 for a pair of mirror wills. Those who wish to book a will can make their November appointments via the website or by calling 0300 0309 558. Last year Will Aid raised more than £1.25 million for its charity partners – Actionaid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

A will is a vital document that allows you to pass on your final wishes to the people you love most

Celebrity Will Aid supporter Graham Norton says his personal experience of loss has shown him the importance of planning for the future.