Peace of mind for Peter thanks to Hospice Wills Week

A trustee of St Catherine’s Hospice who had put off making a will for many years finally put pen to paper as part of the charity’s annual Wills Week – and is now encouraging others to take the opportunity of this year’s campaign to get their affairs in order.

Rev. Peter Taylor admitted that writing a will was something he had ‘never got round to’, but when his wife Suzanne died three years ago it prompted him to think more seriously about getting his wishes officially recorded.

As a long-standing trustee and hospice supporter – who served on the Penwortham and Longton Support Group, set up to raise money before St Catherine’s even opened – Rev Peter was keen to use it as an opportunity to generate much-needed funds by making his will during Wills Week.

This year the initiative runs from November 9 to 14 with a record number of firms involved. They include Birchall Blackburn Law, Chadwicks, Ellen Fay, Forbes, Harrison Drury, John Whittle Robinson, Marsden Rawsthorn, Vincents and Worralls.

Rev. Peter, a father of three and grandfather-of-six from Longton, said: “I had been thinking about writing a will for a number of years but had never got around to it. After Suzanne died I knew I had to stop just thinking about it, and actually get it done. I knew St Catherine’s ran Wills Week so it made sense to do it then.

“I was very conscious that I want things to be as straightforward as possible for my family when that time comes. I know from my experiences in my parish in Euxton that for people who are bereaved, it is much easier for the family if they know what mum, dad, husband, wife, wanted, and can make the arrangements accordingly. It’s why I’ve also put some details about my funeral plans into my will, so that they don’t have to wonder and worry if they have got it right.

“Now not only do I have peace of mind that everything is in place, but I’ve also helped to support the on-going work of the hospice through my donation. I’ve been involved with St Catherine’s since the beginning and have served as a trustee for 20 years, so I know how much it depends on donations and fundraising to be able to deliver its vital services.”

Rev Peter added: “It’s easy to keep saying ‘I’ll do that one day’ and never to get around it. Wills Week is the ideal opportunity to finally write your will, with the knowledge that you’re supporting a fantastic local charity at the same time.”

Lynne Whittaker, senior fundraiser at St Catherine’s, thanked the solicitors who are giving their time to support the campaign.

“We are extremely grateful to them for using their skills and expertise to support St Catherine’s,” she said.

During 2015, St Catherine’s would also like to attract 30 new pledges in wills – our target in the Give A Gift campaign with the Lancashire Evening Post.

Lynne added: “Wills Week can also be a time for people to consider any gift they might like to leave. On average, the specialised care of one in six of our patients is funded by gifts in wills, showing just how important these donations are to the hospice.”

To request a Wills Week information pack visit www.stcatherines.co.uk or call 01772 629171. Appointments will take place with solicitors during week commencing November 9.

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