Published: Wednesday, 21st October, 2009 12:00pm

WILL AID CHARITY HELP

by Frank Cassidy

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A PRESTWICK solicitors' firm is offering residents the chance to make their wills under the Will Aid scheme.

Black Hay and Co, 45.47 Main Street, Prestwick, will write a basic will without charge in November to raise as much money as they can for the nine Will Aid charities.

These are - ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, NSPCC, Save The Children UK, Sightsavers International, SCIAF Scotland and Trocaire Northern Ireland.

In return for writing the basic will, the company will ask clients to donate the fee they would normally be charged and it will be shared by the nine good causes.

The cash will then be used to transform the lives of children, families and whole communities in the area - a suggested donation is £75 for one will or £110 for a couple.

Most people in the district realise that they need to make a proper will and keep it up to date yet few actually get round to it, potentially leaving their loved ones vulnerable both emotionally and financially.

Because they are making a donation rather than paying a fee there is no VAT to pay and in addition, taxpayers can Gift Aid their donation so it will be even worth more to the charities.

To take advantage of this offer, all people have to do is contact the Prestwick company on 01292 477235, by visiting www.willaid.org.uk or by calling the hotline on 0300 0300 013.

There is also helpful information online, such as a will planner - the firm is expected to be booked up quite quickly so make an appointment right away.

• The 2008 campaign raised almost £1million in donations in the United Kingdom and £5.4million in legacy pledges which were made as part of peoples' wills.