Somerset law firm raises highest total in the region for Will Aid campaign

A LAW firm with branches in Williton and Watchet has raised an incredible £8,870 by participating in an annual charity campaign - making it the highest donating firm in the region.

Hollam Solicitors has been taking part in the Will Aid campaign since 2022 and has raised an amazing total of £10,390 by giving their time and expertise to write wills and encouraging donations to Will Aid instead of payment.

The money the firm has raised will be shared between the campaign’s partner charities, which work across many different causes in the UK and around the world.

The partner charities are ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF and Trócaire.

The kindness of the solicitors who have taken part in Will Aid since it was founded in 1988 has helped raise over £24 million for charity in donations alone, with many millions more in pledged charitable legacies.

Deborah Schmieder from the firm said: “We’re delighted to be the highest donating firm in South West the firm is very proud to take part in Will Aid and we’re especially pleased to have given so many people the reassurance of knowing they have a professionally written will.

“We love taking part in the campaign and to raise so much for charity was a real team effort.

“It’s a brilliant feeling to know that such well-deserving charities will benefit, helping people both here in the UK and abroad who are facing challenging times.”

Jonathan Chase, chair of Will Aid, said: “Huge congratulations to the team for raising such a staggering amount this year.

“It’s amazing that so many solicitors give their time to volunteer so generously, using their expertise to help people gain peace of mind by getting a professionally written will while fundraising for our incredible charities who do such crucial and life-changing work in the UK and around the world.

“On behalf of all the partner charities, a massive thank you and well done to Hollam Solicitors and all the firms who have taken part this year!”

Will Aid takes place every November and involves solicitors waiving the fee for writing a basic will and instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid. The suggested donation for a basic single will is £100, and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.

To meet the continued demand each year, Will Aid needs more solicitors to take part. For more information, visit www.willaid.org.uk