Charity Will-writing scheme returns for November

The ever-popular RUH Will Month is returning in November to help the public make or update their Will at a reduced cost. You can now book your appointment to have your Will written with participating solicitor firms.

Ten legal firms across Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, including Goodwills and Goughs Solicitors in Melksham are taking part and their fees will be donated to the Royal United Hospitals Bath’s fundraising charity, The Forever Friends Appeal. Special procedures have been put in place to ensure that clients will be in a safe environment during appointments.

RUH Will Month will run for one month only, helping people put their affairs in order by having a single standard Will written for £125 or a standard Mirror Wills or joint Wills written for £175.

Jan Witt, In Memory & Legacy Officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said, “It may come as a surprise that fewer than half of the population have an up-to-date Will, despite its importance in offering you peace of mind and security for both you and your family. Often, having a Will written can be expensive, therefore we’d like to urge people to take advantage of this Will writing offer at the reduced rates to ensure your savings and possessions go to the people and causes you love and care for.

“It is easy to take part in this offer, simply call any one of the participating solicitors listed on our website and make an appointment for November, quoting ‘RUH Will Month’. At the meeting the solicitor will guide you through the process and will ensure that your Will reflects your wishes.”

This is the sixth consecutive year that RUH Will Month has run, with substantial funds being raised every year for various projects across the hospital such as the Dyson Cancer Centre, research projects and specialist medical equipment.

This year, funds raised by the initiative will be put towards the charity’s Speech and Language Special Appeal. The appeal is raising £50,000 to purchase a portable machine to enhance the care given to patients who have swallowing difficulties. The equipment will enable speech and language therapists to provide an alternative bedside assessment – reducing the waiting time to attend the X-ray clinic which can sometimes take a number of weeks.

The need for the mobile equipment has become even more pressing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Patients who have been on a ventilator have a 30% chance of suffering from swallowing difficulties. So, having this machine will really help the speech and language therapy team to assess Covid patients, either in ITU or in other parts of the hospital.

Catherine Cawley, clinical specialist and speech and language therapist, RUH said, “Being able to eat and drink without a second thought is something most of us take for granted. But sadly many people have problems swallowing as a result of conditions such as having a stroke, Parkinson’s  disease and dementia. It is a serious issue as it can cause coughing and choking when you eat and drink, which can lead to chest infections, increased hospital admission and lengthier stays in hospital.

“Having this machine will be a game changer – we will be able to give our patients a quicker diagnosis, recommend treatment and reduce the possibility of further medical complications.”

However, participants can choose to support another campaigns or special appeal if they prefer.

Val King, senior chartered legal executive, from Farnfields Solicitors said, “Whatever your age, it is never too early to make provision for yourself in later years or for your family when you pass away. Peace of mind knowing you have considered all eventualities is hard to place a value on.

“If you have a Will, you should consider when you last updated it. Wills should be reviewed when any major life events occur, such as having a grandchild.”

Interested in having a Will written? Contact one of the participating solicitor firms as soon as possible as appointments get fully booked quickly. The full list of solicitors can be found on The Forever Friends Appeal website: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

• Local firms taking part are: • Goodwills – 01225 683062; www.goodwillslocal. co.uk and • Goughs Solicitors – 01225 703036; www.goughs.co.uk