A Wilmslow law firm has called on the local community to support its ongoing Free Wills campaign in the hope of raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK, a charity which funds research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and which has two charity shops in the town.
The initiative forms part of the charity’s Free Wills Service and sees Aticus Law, which has office on Water Lane, once again offer people over the age of 18 the opportunity to have their Will produced by a legal professional completely free of charge.
In return, many participants make a legacy donation – a Gift left in their Will – which enables Cancer Research UK to carry out long-term research projects that lead to new treatments and cures.
Over the last few years Aticus Law has helped to raise more than £111k through the Wills that they produced on behalf of clients through the Free Wills Service – funds used to buy vital equipment such as incubators that help to keep cell samples warm so that they can study how they behave in the body, and to fund the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors, and nurses across the UK.
Between now and the end of the year, the law firm’s fundraising efforts are also being backed by businesses across the High Street which are clubbing together to raise awareness amongst customers, and to encourage as many people to sign up as possible.
Safia Iftikhar, Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate at Aticus Law, said this year’s campaign also had the added benefit of providing an incentive for people to visit the high street, and to show their support for local businesses which have suffered over recent years because of the pandemic.
She said: “Cancer is a horrible disease, which sadly affects most people at one point or another in their lives. As a business we wanted to show our support to the vital work that Cancer Research UK does and are delighted to be offering the legal expertise of our Wills team as part of the Free Wills Service that the charity offers.
“This is a particularly exciting time for the campaign as so many of the businesses in and around the High Street have also signed up to support the cause. We’re hopeful that we can raise a really significant amount for this wonderful charity and are calling on members of the local community who don’t already have a Will to reach out.”
Gifts in Wills also contribute significantly to the ongoing work of The Manchester Cancer Research UK Institute which delivers world-leading research that accelerates the transition of lab-based discovery to the clinic for the benefit of people affected by cancer.
It’s also home to one of the Cancer Research UK’s RadNet centres of excellence, which together form a network that aims to improve cancer survival by optimising and personalising radiotherapy. Last year alone, the charity invested nearly £28m into exciting research projects and patient trials in the North West.
Commenting on funding raised through Gifts in Wills Helen Soutar, Cancer Research UK’s Legacy Partnership Manager for the North of England Region, said: “Gifts in Wills breathe life into researchers’ work by funding over a third of our life-saving research, and enable research projects to be future proofed with long term funding. Each breakthrough inspires the next, leading us to a world where everybody can lead longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
“In the past 40 years, cancer survival has doubled in part thanks to Cancer Research UK’s pioneering research, funded by the generosity of our supporters. Cancer Research UK wants to accelerate progress and see 3 in 4 people surviving their cancer by 2034.”
“The funds left to the charity through Gifts in Wills is a vital source of income for Cancer Research UK and we are extremely grateful to everyone who signs up Cancer Research UK’s Free Wills Service and to Aticus Law for providing their legal expertise.”
Over the coming month members of the local community visiting Rise Café, American Nail Studio, Fibre Hair Dressing, Eerox Barbers or The Grove will be able to book their free Will consultation using the QR code displayed in each of the establishments, or by visiting the website.
Safia from Aticus added: “No one likes to talk about death, but making a Will is so important as there are certain rules which dictate how your money, property or possessions should be allocated when you die.
“A Will not only means that your wishes will be listened to, but it also helps to alleviate some of the stress that your loved ones might feel after you pass away. It also means that if you want to leave a legacy gift to a charity which has touched the lives of you and your loved ones, that can also be factored in.”
