Five law firms have signed up to support Royal British Legion Industries first legacy campaign in its 100-year history in an effort to promote the importance of having a will, while also offering support to former military personnel and disabled people.
RBLI’s Make A Will campaign has secured the support of law firms Brachers, Buss Murton, Cooper Burnett and Girlings and Gullands.
Each of the firms will offer 10 free wills to individuals or couples across Kent as part of the initiative, which is linked to the RBLI’s Centenary Village appeal to develop new apartments, homes and community facilities at Aylesford, near Maidstone.
The idea for the initiative came from a conversation between RBLI’s Chief Executive Steve Sherry and one of the charity’s trustees Blair Gulland, Chairman of Maidstone-based Gullands.
Steve Sherry said: “In this our 100th year, we are looking at how best to leave a legacy for the future generations of veterans and disabled people we support.
With more than half of all UK residents not having a will, people also need to think about how best they can leave their own legacy for their families and good causes, which is why we’ve set up the RBLI Make a Will campaign.
Every penny donated to RBLI through legacies will go directly to providing crucial care to support severely disabled veterans, as well as those facing homelessness.
We are really pleased to have been joined by such great legal partners and delighted by their generosity.”
Each of the firms has agreed to provide 10 simple wills for Kent residents as individuals, married couples or people in civil partnerships. If the wills are considered complex due to family structure, size of estate or require tax planning, it has been agreed that solicitors will need to charge for services beyond producing a simple will.
Research found that more than half (54%) of the UK population don’t have a will.
Sue Lidbetter, Legacy Fundraiser at RBLI, said: “Having an up to date will prepared by a solicitor ensures your wishes are respected and can avoid difficult decisions and legal complications for your family.
Taking part in our Make A Will campaign allows you to plan for your family and friends’ futures, and at the same time leave a gift to the charities that you care about.”
The Make A Will campaign is now finished thank you to all those that applied.
