ORGANISE YOUR WILL

Others live when you give

In recognition of the fact that 80% of NI adults don’t have a Will, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is pleased to announce the return of ‘Organise your Will’; a Will writing service.

Throughout March and April 2021 Air Ambulance NI is giving you the opportunity to make or update your Will through one of our solicitor partners.

Leaving a gift in your Will.

You are not obliged in any way to leave a gift in your Will to Air Ambulance NI but after prioritising your loved ones, we hope you will consider us. It is not only the medical team who save lives but the people who support our service. Leaving a charitable donation for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland in your Will, will help us attend the most serious incidents of trauma every day throughout NI.

Why take part in ‘Organise your Will’ campaign?

Having an up to date Will is very important! When you are gone it helps to:

Ensure your loved ones are looked after
Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes

Minimise family disputes
Ensure your final wishes are fulfilled
You can leave a gift to family, friends and charitable organisations

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.

Participating solicitors are providing FREE basic individual and pairs of Wills in return for a donation to Air Ambulance NI. See map below for participating local solicitors.

Suggested donation

Basic Will – £100
Pair of basic Wills – £150

When to make a Will?

Anytime is a good time to organise your Will. Life can change in an instant and when your circumstances change, it is always a good idea to make or update your Will. For example:

Buying your first house
Having a baby
Changes in your health

How to get involved?

Contact us: Email grace.williams@airambulanceni.org or call 07718 483 326
We’ll provide some information and provide contact details for local participating solicitors
You can make an appointment with the solicitor of your preferred choice.

Rachael McKee, Principle solicitors, Bridge Solicitors, Belfast

‘We are delighted to be supporting Air Ambulance NI’s ‘Organise your Will campaign again in 2021. 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.’

Rory Patton, from FG Patton Solicitors, Dungannon, answered some questions about the importance of making a Will.

Why do you support Air Ambulance NI?

I think Air Ambulance NI holds a special place for many people in NI because we didn’t have a service like this for such a long time and people have real pride in it now that it is there. It also clearly does incredible work on a daily basis saving lives that wouldn’t have previously been saved.

Why is it so important to prepare a Will?

Preparing a Will is so important because without one, your estate may not be distributed in accordance with your wishes which may in turn lead to disputes amongst your family and friends. By making a Will, you can clearly set out your intentions giving your peace of mind that your affairs are in order.

How long does it take to prepare a Will?

A basic Will can be prepared very quickly within a matter of minutes if the circumstances require. More complicated Wills involving trusts for example are more likely to require a second appointment to allow the solicitor some time to do the drafting.

Before making a Will, what do people need to think about?

The key points are the identity of your executors i.e. those people who will be responsible for administering your Will and your beneficiaries in terms of who is to receive what and when.

Are there any Will making myths you can dispel?

Many people believe they are obligated to leave their estate in a certain way to certain people and we are regularly reminding Will makers of their freedom to distribute their estate as they choose. I think a lot of people also assume that Wills are both complicated and expensive which is not the case.

Are you enjoying participating in AANI’s ‘Organise your Will’ campaign?

Yes, it’s great to engage with it again with the campaign after the success of last’s year. The AANI team do a great job getting the word out there in the local press and online.

How is AANI’s campaign beneficial to Will makers?

It gives us an introduction to new clients that we may not have ordinarily had because they are coming to us as a participating firm in the campaign.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would just reiterate how quick and easy it can be to make a Will and it is something that we will all require one day. In many respects, it is quite a considerate and selfless thing to do because you won’t be affected by not having a Will however your nearest and dearest could be and it is them really that you are doing it for.