People are being given the chance to make a Will completely free of charge, in a new scheme run by Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Without a Will, a person’s money, property, and possessions may not go to the people and causes they care about after they die.
The new partnership between Derian House and the National Free Wills Network will give people peace of mind and ensure their wishes are carried out.
The charity hopes that in return, people who take up the offer will leave a gift to the charity, which cares for seriously ill babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
It costs Derian House £6 million to run services every year, and with only a small percentage of this coming from NHS funding, any legacy big or small makes a difference.
One family who have benefited from Derian’s services are the Chans. 18-year-old Amélie was born with a rare genetic disorder called CHARGE syndrome and has been supported by Derian House for more than a decade.
Dad, Darren, said: “When Amélie was six years old, Derian House came into our lives and gave us the helping hand we so desperately needed.
“Amélie visits Derian House, for sessions in the hydrotherapy pool, to enjoy the cinema, and for overnight respite stays, giving us chance to rest and recharge. We don’t know what challenges tomorrow will bring, but what we do know is that with the help of Derian House we will make sure that every day of Amélie’s life is full of love, laughter and sunshine.”
Gillian Rabbett, Events and Legacies Marketing Coordinator at Derian House, said: “Gifts in Wills help to fund the care of 1 in 10 of our children and young people. Everyone who leaves a legacy to our children has their name engraved on a copper leaf and placed on our beautiful legacy tree, allowing us to recognise and remember their kindness and generosity in a special way.
“There is no obligation to include a gift to Derian House in your Will, although a gift, however big or small, will help us to continue to provide care and memories for years to come.”
When you sign up to make a Will with Derian House you will receive a pack from the National Free Wills Network with all the details you need to make an appointment to write or update your will.
Richard Millar, Managing Director at the National Free Wills Network, said: “An up-to-date Will offers peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order – it is also a great opportunity to leave a gift to charities that are near to your heart. The beauty of a gift in your Will is that it costs nothing now but can make a real difference to a charity or cause in the future.”
You can choose one of the local solicitors to you listed in the directory and book your appointment at a time that suits you.
Find out more: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/legacy/
Derian House, based in Chorley, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
