YOU can write a will and help a much-loved charity this next month.

St Rocco’s Hospice is hosting Make a Will Month in May to allow those wanting to write up a will to be assisted in doing so in return for a small donation to the charity.

Making a will is so important for many reasons but research shows that over 50 per cent of people in the UK have not yet made one. 

It can be difficult knowing who to contact, so the Lockton Lane Hospice, based in Bewsey, is using Make a Will Month to help encourage people to take that first step.

Highlighting the importance of making a will, a spokesperson for St Rocco’s said: “If you die without a will, there are certain rules which dictate how your money, property or possessions should be allocated.

“By making a will, you can choose exactly where your assets go. 

“If you live with a partner but are not married, you cannot inherit from each other unless there is a will, so the death of one partner may create serious financial problems for the remaining partner. 

“If you have children, you will need to make a will so that arrangements for the children can be made if either one or both parents die.”

In addition, it may be possible to reduce the amount of tax payable on the inheritance if advice is taken in advance and a will is made, the charity added. 

“You can also choose to leave a gift to continue helping the charities or good causes that are important to you.”

St Rocco’s Hospice is being sponsored by four solicitors in Warrington for this:

Each solicitor is giving up their time to support the hospice and this means they will not charge for writing a simple will. 

Instead, you will be asked to donate some money to St Rocco’s Hospice after your appointment.

And if your will is more complicated, the solicitors can advise you in advance if an additional fee will apply.

Appointments are limited so get in contact with them as early in May as possible and make sure to mention that you wish to take part in Make a Will Month with St Rocco’s.

St Rocco’s Hospice relies on donations for 70 per cent of their running costs. 

Therefore, the charity is asking for a suggested donation of £60 for a codicil will, £100 for a single will or £150 for a mirror will – reduced from the costs solicitors usually charge.

A spokesperson for the charity added: “If you choose to write your will through Make a Will Month, we hope you'll consider leaving a gift in your will to St Rocco’s Hospice, although there's no obligation to do so.

"Leaving a gift can reduce inheritance tax and leaves a lasting legacy of your kindness.”

For more information about St Rocco’s Hospice or to enquire about Make a Will Month, you can visit stroccos.org.uk/helping-us/give/wills-legacies-and-gifts or call 01925 575780.