A lasting legacy for Strathcarron

Strathcarron Hospice was delighted to receive an incredible donation of £247,605 bequeathed to the charity.

The Executors of the will, Russel + Aitken, passed the funds over to the hospice this week.

Jackie Johnston, Strathcarron’s fundraising manager, said: “This is a most unusual and generous gift and we will ensure it is put to the best possible use for the benefit of people living with, and dying from, a terminal illness.

“To put this gift in context of the charity’s running costs; it could cover 19 days of the full range of both in-patient and out-patient services.”

The quarter of a million pound legacy was only part of the lady’s estate and other charities also benefited substantially.

But the hospice now hopes that the generosity of the anonymous donor – who was born and bred in Falkirk – will inspire other Bairns to remember the charity in their own wills.

Throughout September and October, law firm Russel + Aitken’s offices in Falkirk and Alloa will offer a free will writing service, waiving their fees in favour of a donation to Strathcarron’s Raise the Roof appeal.

This will then carry on throughout October, when Russel + Aitken will be one of several local law firms taking part in Strathcarron Hospice’s Make a Will month.

Last October Russel + Aitken raised over £6500 for the hospice by writing wills free of charge in return for a client donation and they have high hopes of smashing that target this year.

Being remembered in people’s wills is a hugely important part of Strathcarron’s fundraising but Russel + Aitken managing partner Karen McLachlan says it’s also a good opportunity to put your affairs in order for the future.

Nearly half of all Scottish adults do not have a will – and yet things may not be as cut and dried as they imagine.

It’s also important to keep your will up-to-date.

Karen said: “Having a will ensures that your money goes where you want it to go – and, just as importantly, doesn’t go where you don’t want it to go!”

James Brogan, head of private client, said: “People like to know where there money is going and this is a wonderful charity that is right on our doorstep, so we find that people are usually very willing to donate.”

The suggested donation for the will writing service is £95 for a single will though you can donate more if you wish. 
The charity can also claim gift aid on the donation which makes it worth even more. 
Strathcarron Hospice’s Make a Will Month is a local iniative that replaces the national fundraising drive Will Aid. 
To discuss your requirements contact Russel + Aitken in Falkirk or Alloa. Visit www.strathcarron.net