Latest Will Aid campaign raises £1.3m

Solicitors around the UK helped raise nearly £1.3m for charity under the 2016 Will Aid campaign, the organisers have announced.

With some last minute donations still to come in, the current total from the November 2016 appeal stands at £1,262,890, raised by more than 1,000 solicitors' offices nationwide. Practices waived their fees for drawing up simple wills, asking only for a voluntary donation instead.

Sheffield and Doncaster firm Taylor Bracewell raised the top sum, a record-breaking £26,365.

Proceeds are being shared between nine leading charities – ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and Trocaire. 

Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid campaign director, commented: “The staggering amount of money raised will provide vital funds to help vulnerable people and communities in the UK and around the world.

“Meanwhile, the solicitors involved have helped provide safety and security to the thousands of people who used the scheme and now have a professionally drawn up will.

“The generosity and enthusiasm of our participating solicitors has helped our campaign reach far and wide and I would like to thank them for putting in such a tremendous effort this year.”

James Tarleton, chair of Will Aid added: “As well as providing the suggested donation, many people who make their wills through Will Aid, use this opportunity to provide support to their favourite charities through a gift in their wills. These legacies make a great difference and we are very thankful for those who choose to support our work in this way.”

Will Aid will run again in November 2017. Solicitors can register to take part via www.willaid.org.uk/solicitors