Get set for Make a Will Fortnight

FORCE has again teamed up with local law firms to offer a will writing service for two weeks in September.

Make a Will Fortnight runs from September 7-21 when solicitors based in offices across Exeter, East, Mid and South Devon will waive their fees to write a simple will in return for a donation to FORCE.

Suggested donations are £150 for a single will and £200 for a mirrored will.

The donation will be made at the solicitors’ office at the time of your appointment and will go directly to the charity.

Should you need specialist advice, your solicitor will quote a separate price for any additional work

The local firms involved are Tozers and WBW Solicitors. You can make an appointment with any of them from August 24.

Inspiring

Solicitor Rachael Morley, a Trust and Estate Practitioner at Tozers, said: “We at Tozers are keenly aware of the invaluable help which FORCE gives to those diagnosed with cancer and their families. As a local charity, it is so heartening to see the good that they do in the community around us. We are delighted to assist them with the Will scheme in the hope of raising as much as possible for their inspiring work!”

Olly Watts, Fundraising Development Officer at FORCE, added: “By utilising this will service we must stress that there is no expectation for you to feel obliged to leave a gift in your will to FORCE.”

FORCE has been supporting local people affected by cancer since 1987 and is dedicated to improving the lives of families, friends and colleagues in our communities.

Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on its services and income, FORCE has dynamically restructured the way it offers help to people needing physical, emotional, psychological and practical support at a difficult time in their lives.

The FORCE Cancer Support and Information Centre in Exeter is temporarily closed along with its weekly community outreach centres in Okehampton, Tiverton and Honiton

But counselling, information and advice on claiming benefits and how to exercise safely are all available on the phone or via video calls.

Vital

The charity relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions with legacies vital to its survival.

Legacies allow FORCE to plan for the longer term including support for research, purchasing equipment, developing outreach programmes across Devon and expanding the its support services.

It has already spent more than £10 million on its mission to offer the best possible support for people dealing with cancer, face to face and close to home.

Thousands of people every year benefit from the practical, emotional and psychological help offered by FORCE.

Equipment bought by FORCE has been used to diagnose and treat almost everyone referred to the Royal Devon and Exeter’s oncology department for decades.

Passionate

And a growing number of patients receive their chemotherapy closer to home – in Tiverton, Okehampton and Honiton – from specialist nurses funded by FORCE.

FORCE’s Head of Income Generation Sarah Daniels said: “We’re passionate about ensuring that our services are available for generations to come and you can be a part of that vision. None of what we do is possible without the incredibly generous financial support of the people we serve.

“Gifts in Wills are a vital part of our income. They offer the gift of hope and guarantee that your support for FORCE lives on. Every penny we receive is spent locally and we are committed to putting your gift to good use where it matters most. We can’t predict exactly what the future holds but with your help we can be ready to tackle whatever it brings.”

Find out more here. 

FORCE volunteer and supporter Penny Mear explains why it’s important to make a will:: “The 2020 pandemic has brought home to us all how suddenly life can change. A diagnosis of cancer is equally shattering and we never know what’s around the corner. One thing we can ensure is the protection of our family when we’re gone.  Making a will could not only help your family and give you peace of mind but also makes sure your wishes are followed. FORCE offers a wonderful opportunity each September when a number of solicitors agree to waive their fees for a will writing service in return for a donation to FORCE. Please consider this. Not only will you be helping yourself but also a local charity supporting people affected by cancer. Thank you.”