Beth Hamilton

Barty’s, a branch of Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, took part in annual charity will-writing campaign Will Aid at the end of 2021, which sees solicitors waive their fees for basic wills and instead invite clients to donate to the campaign.

It brings the total raised by the firm – which has been participating in the initiative for 26 years – to £56,477.

The donations are shared with Will Aid’s nine partner charities who work across many different causes, both in the UK and around the world.

Beth Hamilton, partner at Barty’s, said: “The last two years have been an incredibly difficult time for everyone – especially charities who have continued to work tirelessly to support vulnerable people, including those devastatingly impacted by conflict such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“We are very proud to have taken part in Will Aid. It’s a brilliant initiative to encourage people to get a professionally written will, while raising vital funds for charity. Thank you to all our clients who took this opportunity to protect their wishes and support a great cause.”

Since launching in 1988, Will Aid has helped solicitors raise more than £22 million in donations for charity.

Jon Jacques, chair of Will Aid, said: “Year after year we are blown away by the generosity of solicitors who choose to volunteer their time and expertise to raise money for Will Aid.

“Our nine partner charities rely heavily on donations. The money raised during this campaign will provide vital support to help continue their life-changing work around the world.”

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director, added: “I would like share my thanks to Barty’s for their support in last year’s campaign. It’s thanks to the generosity of firms like theirs that our nine partner charities can continue to deliver their important services around the world. Not only that, but many more people in the UK now have an up-to-date will.”

Will Aid takes place every November and involves solicitors waiving the fee for writing a basic will and instead ask for a donation to Will Aid.

The suggested donation for a basic single will is £100 and £180 for a pair of mirror wills. These donations are shared between Will Aid’s nine partner charities: ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF and Trócaire.