Five local solicitors have pledged their support to a will writing scheme, which raises thousands of pounds for Katharine House Hospice every year.  

Make a Will Fortnight, this year taking place from 2 to 13 October, sees local solicitors and will writers waive their fees to write or amend a basic will, asking for donations to be made to Katharine House instead. 

Since its launch, back in 2012, the campaign has raised nearly £130,000 and 538 wills have been written by the local solicitors who have taken part in the scheme.  

This year, five solicitors have signed up to support the hospice, all of whom took part in the first campaign 11 years ago:  

• Bradley Saul 
• Brethertons 
• Johnson & Gaunt 
• Lionheart Later Life Planning 
• SE-Solicitors 

The hospice is urging anyone interested in making a will to contact one of the participating solicitors and reference the Katharine House Make a Will fortnight scheme, to ensure their loved ones are provided for and help support people affected by life-limiting illnesses at the same time 

Johnson and Gaunt Solicitors, who have an office at Bloxham Mill in Banbury, wanted to be involved with the campaign again this year to support the local community and help promote hospice care. 

Iain Managhan, Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate for Johnson & Gaunt, said: "We are proud to support Katharine House who are a bedrock of the Banbury community. The care and support they provide at such a difficult time makes a big difference not just to the patient, but their whole family. Every time I visit, I’m amazed at how friendly and helpful the staff and volunteers are. The environment they create, together with the wonderful facilities, means that the hospice makes such a difference." 

Iain goes on to say: "Clients regularly wish to leave a gift in their will after speaking so highly of the care and support that they’ve received. The chance to contribute in some small way to the continued success of Katharine House is a privilege and one that the firm accepts gladly." 

Sarah from Banbury took part in the Make a Will fortnight scheme last year and said: "I kept putting off updating my will but when I saw I could do this through a professional solicitor while supporting Katharine House, it seemed the perfect time. The process was straight forward and involved two visits to a local solicitor who had waived their fees in return for a gift to the hospice. It was all sorted out in a couple of weeks – now I can get on with life knowing my wishes will be taken care of in the future."  

To find out more, visit our Make a Will Fortnight page.