Making a Will and helping horses in need

For the first time, Wards Solicitors has joined forces with HorseWorld to encourage people to make a Will and at the same time support an important local animal welfare charity.

For two weeks in July, solicitors from our Keynsham office gave up their time free of charge to write basic Wills for people who wanted to make a donation to the HorseWorld Trust in return.

Recue work

HorseWorld, based in Whitchurch, Somerset, rescues abandoned and mistreated horses, ponies and donkeys. It currently has more than 100 animals in its care and a further 200 being looked after in 'loan homes' across the region. It is entirely funded by voluntary contributions.

It has been hard at work since 1952 when it was set up initially to save the lives of working horses abandoned in favour of cheaper and faster motor vehicles.

Today, though its role has changed, it is as busy as ever. It not only rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes neglected equines but runs an innovative educational programme called Discovery to help young people with self-growth, confidence and concentration issues.

Peace of mind

Ruth Coles, Wards Solicitors' Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity Partner and manager of the Keynsham office, says: "Having a Will, and regularly updating it, brings peace of mind - knowing that you have been clear about exactly what you want to happen to your estate after you die to ensure it's inherited by the people you want to benefit.

"We were delighted to help a number of people who contacted HorseWorld to make a Will, something we believe is vitally important, and at the same time support a worthwhile local charity."

• Wards Solicitors regularly takes part in Make a Will events across all the areas our 11 offices cover in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset.