Wards Solicitors raise more than £17,582 for Will Aid

Wards Solicitors, with ten offices across the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset region have raised over £17,582 for charity, by writing Wills for local clients as part of November 2011's Will Aid campaign. Will Aid clients were offered a basic Will and asked to make a donation instead of paying the firm's usual fees. The money raised is shared by Actionaid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, Sightsavers and Trocaire.

Wards Solicitors has participated in the Will Aid scheme since 2002 and this year's fantastic result brings their grand total to over £63,000. The funds raised are being put to work by the Will Aid charities to make a real and immediate difference to the lives of the people in need in the UK and all over the world.

Jenny Pierce, Head of the Probate Department at Wards, commented on the success of the campaign: As a team, we're passionate about encouraging people to make their Wills because we see the mess left behind for families if a Will isn't made. We love being part of Will Aid, the charities are really worthy, and we're happy to be raising funds for such good causes.

Will Aid Campaign Manager, Shirley Marsland, said:
"The Will Aid charities are so grateful for the generosity and hard work of the team at Wards Solicitors. They have raised a phenomenal amount for Will Aid. Overall, this has been the most successful campaign to date and overall we expect to raise over £2 million. The Will Aid charities will be able to put the money raised to immediate use.

Christian Aid's Alison Knight, visited the firm to thank the staff involved and to present their Will Aid certificate and said:
'The support of Wards Solicitors is greatly appreciated by Christian Aid. Will Aid is very important to Christian Aid as not only do we receive a significant amount in donations but the campaign also provides an opportunity for people to leave Christian Aid a legacy. Legacy gifts are crucial in enabling our work to eradicate poverty and change the systems and structures which cause it. Legacies of all sizes are incredibly valuable to Christian Aid - last year our income from legacies could have more than paid for all our work in Latin America and the Caribbean.'