Impressive fund-raising effortby Sanderson McCreath & Edney

Sanderson McCreath & Edney took part in the annual Will Aid scheme and raised an impressive £4,025 in the month-long fund-raiser, writing 55 wills.

This is the 13th time it has taken part in Will Aid and was the highest fund-raising firm in Northumberland.

Since it started taking part, it has raised more than, £25,000.

The firm’s Mark Pentecost said: “We were delighted to take part in Will Aid once again. We pride ourselves on giving back regularly to our local community, and in this case we have spread our charitable net even wider, donating over £4,000 to some top nationwide charities.

“We’re proud of our staff for not only winning a spot as one of the top local donors in the area, but for raising awareness about the need to write a will. The more people realise how important a will is, and that having one prevents a lot of unnecessary legal complications, the better.”

Stephen Gillies from the British Red Cross, paid the firm a visit to present it with a certificate.

He said: “We are very grateful to Sanderson McCreath & Edney and the Will Aid scheme for this generous contribution.

“The Red Cross uses donations to reach people in crisis, here in the UK and all around the world. £300 could feed 10 families in Syria for a month. £80 could help train four people in life-saving first aid skills here in the UK. And with £1,000, our UK volunteers could give five people the support they need to readjust to life at home following a spell in hospital.”

Will Aid raises money for nine charities: ActionAid; British Red Cross; Christian Aid; NSPCC; Save The Children; Sightsavers; Age UK; SCIAF (Scotland); and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid, said: “Will Aid has made an amazing contribution to the work of the nine participating charities and last year was no exception. Thanks to the commitment of local solicitors that took part in this year’s Will Aid, many people both in the UK and abroad will receive life-changing support and local people who used the scheme have the peace of mind thanks to having a professionally drawn up will.

“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Sanderson McCreath & Edney and let them know that thanks to them, lives will change for the better and people who need it will continue to receive the help and support that the charities work so hard to provide.

“Solicitors raised an incredible amount of money in 2017, but sadly there is always much more demand for Will Aid than we can meet. You have the chance to help us celebrate 30 years since the launch of Will Aid by signing up and donating your time in 2018. Being part of Will Aid will raise the profile of your firm in your local community and bring new clients to your door, all whilst supporting nine wonderful UK charities.

Will Aid will run again in November 2018. Find out more by visiting www.willaid.org.uk.