People in North Derbyshire are being encouraged to a make a will next month as part of Ashgate Hospice’s Make a Will Month campaign.

The hospice has partnered with BRM Solicitors who are waiving their usual fees during April and instead they are asking clients to consider a voluntary donation to help fund Ashgate’s care.

People are being encouraged to book an appointment for April now; with each booking there is a suggested donation of £75 for a single will, and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

During last year’s Will Month, BRM Solicitors helped to raise a staggering £17,888.80 towards vital end of life and palliative care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM Solicitors for once again supporting Make a Will Month and offering such a vital service to our community.

“Making a will is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for when we’re no longer here.

“Most importantly it enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“This April, our Make a Will Month with BRM Solicitors gives you a chance to do this for free while helping us support families at a difficult time in their lives.”

Ashgate Hospice is an independent charity that provides free care and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Ashgate Hospice again this year to raise funds for a charity that plays such a key role in the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire community. We hope to build on last year’s success and raise even more money for the hospice in 2022.”

Furthermore, the community can support Ashgate by leaving the charity a gift in their will. Every gift, no matter how large or small, will make a huge difference to the care the hospice will be able to provide in the future. In fact, one in five patients are currently cared for thanks to money left to the charity in wills.

Each year, demand for their services increases as the number of people living with a life-limiting illness continues to grow. This year, Ashgate must raise £7 million over and above NHS funding to provide their care.

Jack added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to Ashgate, we hope people will consider leaving a legacy gift once their loved ones have been taken care of. Even 1% of someone’s estate can go a long way.

“By choosing to leave money to Ashgate, you are helping us safeguard our future and ensure we can continue to support families in years to come when they need us the most.”

Supporters can make their will at BRM’s conveniently located Chesterfield office, with disabled access and free parking. In addition, free home, hospital and hospice visits are being offered to those physically unable to attend the office.

Anyone making a will must book their appointment between 1^st April and 30^th April to take advantage of this offer.

To find out more about Make a Will Month, and to make an appointment, click here or call 01246 555 111.