In recognition of the fact that 70% of NI adults don’t have a Will, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is pleased to launch a new initiative working in partnership with local solicitors called ‘Organise your Will’.  Throughout the month of June, participating solicitors will waive their fee for basic wills and pairs of wills and instead request a donation to the charity.

‘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. Make an appointment today to ensure your tomorrows are taken care of.’

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI said, “We are pleased that so many solicitors across NI are working with the charity to offer this service and waiving 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 in terms of video conference calls, outdoor signatures 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.”

Air Ambulance NI is your local charity that provides the HEMS for Northern Ireland, together with its partners at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The HEMS attends trauma situations on average at least once or twice per day, to save lives, brains and limbs. This service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. It can get to anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.

Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £2million each year to maintain this service, so public support and events like this one, are crucial.

For a list of solicitors who are supporting the ‘Organise your Will’ campaign please visit www.airambulanceni.org or call 028 9262 2677.