Devon widower urges people to et their will during Will Aid month
A principal from Crediton in Devon, who lost his wife to breast cancer, is urging people to take advantage of a charity will-writing campaign this month.
Ed Finch’s wife, Diane Finch, made a will detailing her final wishes before she passed away three years ago, leaving behind Ed and their son, who is now aged 15.
Her will ensured her wishes were respected and made things easier for Ed during what was already a difficult time.
After experiencing the benefit of a loved one having a will in place, Ed has booked an appointment with Star Legal Ltd, who are taking part in Will Aid this month.
The 50-year-old, who’s the Principal of Chagford Church of England Primary School, said: “My wife was very keen to get things sorted out. Knowing she had that little bit of time left, she wanted to make things easier for me, for our son and the family, and she did.
“She got a good, simple, watertight will which made things very easy. It also made things easy when it was time for me to sell the house we had lived in together.
“It [writing a will] was one of those things that we dreaded and put off, but actually didn’t take very long and certainly made life simpler.”
After posting on Twitter asking for advice on getting a will when a child under 18 is involved, Mr Finch was advised to find a solicitor taking part in Will Aid.
Will Aid is an annual campaign where participating solicitors waive the fee of writing a basic will and instead ask for a donation which is shared between its nine partner charities.
Mr Finch, who admitted he should have made a will sooner, is urging people to book an appointment with a Will Aid solicitor to get their affairs in order while supporting a good cause.
He added: “Life is a terrible mess when someone you love passes away. You can make it easier and simpler by having a watertight will that won’t let them down.
“Doing it this time of year and using Will Aid means your money will go to really good causes which do some real good in the world.”
Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid, said: “Getting a will is an incredibly important part of life which helps ensure our wishes are protected in the event of our death, while making things easier for the loved ones we leave behind.
“I encourage people to join Mr Finch in booking their appointment with a Will Aid solicitor this month while there are still some appointments available.”
The suggested donation for a basic single will is £100 and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.
All money raised is shared between Will Aid’s nine partner charities: ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, Sightsavers and Trocaire.
To find your local solicitor and book an appointment before slots run out, visit www.willaid.org.uk.
