Wills

At St Catherine’s Hospice one of our key aims is to help our community become more prepared for the end of life.

We want to tackle some of the taboos which exist around death and dying so that people are more comfortable talking about and planning for the end of life, in order that their wishes can be fulfilled.

(Appointments are now being taken for this year’s Wills Week – please click here for details). 

Writing a will is one of the most important ways we can do this. Having an up to date will means:

• Peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out
• Security that your loved ones will be looked after
• Less stress for family members, as they know they are doing what you wanted

Your will doesn’t only cover your finances, property and possessions. It’s worth considering if you’d like to discuss any of the following points with your solicitor:

– Passing on your assets (see below)
– Specific requests / funeral arrangements
– Legal guardians for your children
– Executors (these are the people who will ensure your wishes are carried out)
– Business interests
– Personal effects such as heirlooms, paintings, jewellery etc
– A donation to a charity

We recommend that prior to your appointment with your solicitor, you make a list of your assets and debts, taking the following into consideration:

Mortgage / Loans / Credit cards / Property / Cash savings / Bank, Building Society and Savings Accounts / Shares and Bonds / Life policies / Pension funds / Household contents / Personal effects.

Speak to your solicitor about writing or updating your will, or click here to find out about the St Catherine’s Wills Service.

Supporting St Catherine’s Hospice in your will

On average, the care of one in five of our patients is funded through a gift in a will. After your loved ones have been provided for, we would be grateful for any donation – of whatever size – you might be able to leave to support the work of St Catherine’s.

It won’t cost you a penny now, but will help secure our specialist care for local people long into the future.