Submitted by Grace Williams, Area Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
In recognition of the fact that 70% of NI adults don’t have a Will, we at Air Ambulance Northern Ireland are pleased to launch a new initiative, working in partnership with local solicitors called ‘Organise your Will’.
From 1st June – 22nd July, participating solicitors will waive their fee for basic Wills and pairs of Wills and instead request a donation to the charity.
We are delighted so many solicitors in NI are working with us to offer this service and waive their fees to keep the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) operational.
Traditional means of fundraising have ceased, so this is a practical way for the charity to raise funds and for people to ensure their Wills are written and up to date.
Whilst lockdown creates challenges for solicitor meetings, our participating solicitors have creative solutions and various measures to ensure validity.
Those who decide to leave a gift to Air Ambulance NI in their Will, will play a huge part in sustaining the service for generations to come.
It costs AANI £2million each year to maintain this service, so public support is crucial.
Rachael McKee from Bridge Solicitors, Belfast is supporting the campaign and said:
‘Making a Will in normal circumstances is a task that is easily put off as something people may prefer not to think about.
Yet for many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased awareness. For some this is prompted partly by the natural concern of serious illness, but also many clients find they have the time just now to think about what they would like to happen in the event of their death.
We are delighted to be supporting Air Ambulance NI’s ‘Organise your Will’ pilot initiative.
Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do for your families and good causes and it gives you the comfort of knowing that the rewards of your life’s work will be distributed and managed according to your wishes.
We have in place a number of arrangements to facilitate strict social distancing when preparing and executing your Will depending on your personal circumstances. Make an appointment today to ensure your tomorrows are taken care of.’
For a list of solicitors who are supporting the ‘Organise your Will’ campaign click here or call 028 9262 2677.
Air Ambulance NI is your local charity, providing the HEMS for Northern Ireland, together with its partners at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
The HEMS attends trauma situations on average once or twice per day, to save lives, brains and limbs. The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day.
Sam Graham, a motorbike enthusiast was involved in a road traffic collision in July 2018.
The Air Ambulance arrived at the scene in less than 25 minutes and provided critical care interventions including a pre-hospital anaesthetic and immediate chest interventions to support his breathing.
Sam said:
“I know that without the services of the Air Ambulance and the medical team, I just wouldn’t have made it that day. With their expertise, technical equipment and speed, it’s like bringing an intensive care to the roadside.”
If you have left a gift in your Will to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, why not get in touch and share your story with Will to Give?
Email us at info@willtogive.org.org
Will to Give is a consortium of charities in Northern Ireland working together to encourage more people to continue the kindness by leaving a charitable gift in their Will.
You can download our FREE Will Guide – Advice on Kindness here.
