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Another Successful Make a Will Month for St Gemma’s Hospice

Monika Volsing Monika Volsing
Emily Spencer Emily Spencer
4 min read

Make a Will Month 2025

This year our Private Client team took part in Make a Will Month in support of St Gemma’s Hospice, a charity that means a great deal to our staff and to so many families across Leeds. This year’s campaign has been one of the most successful yet, not just for the hospice, but for the community it serves.

To discuss writing a Will call 0113 320 5000

We believe that Will writing is more than a legal process. It’s a chance for people to protect their loved ones, find peace of mind and, in the case of campaigns like this one, make a meaningful difference to local people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We’re proud to announce that the 2025 campaign exceeded expectations and allowed us to play a small but important part in supporting St Gemma’s vital work.

What We Raised Together

St Gemma’s operates Make a Will Month differently from many charity schemes. Instead of requesting a fixed payment, they invite clients to make a suggested donation in return for professionally drafted Wills. This approach not only encourages people to give what they can but also enables the charity to reclaim Gift Aid. This increases each donation by up to 25% where eligible.

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Based on the number of Wills completed by our team, we raised we raised around £2,900 for St Gemma’s (if all participants made the full suggested donation) and that’s without Gift Aid! These figures reflect the generosity of our clients and the dedication of our team.

The campaign as a whole has been a huge success. According to St Gemma’s:

  • Over £17,000 has already been donated through Make a Will Month
  • An additional £3,000 was claimed through Gift Aid
  • The current total exceeds £19,900, with more donations still being processed

This means that, collectively, local solicitors and supporters have made a significant impact. Support like this allows St Gemma’s to continue providing specialist care and emotional support to people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Why We Support Make a Will Month

St Gemma’s Hospice has been a cornerstone of care in Leeds for decades, offering free, high-quality support to patients and families. Their team delivers care with kindness, empathy and dignity, all values that deeply align with our own.

For us, taking part in Make a Will Month isn’t just about fundraising. It’s about encouraging people to complete an important legal document they may have been putting off, as well as making professional Will-writing accessible to the community. We love helping clients achieve peace of mind while supporting a local cause. It strengthens our relationship with an organisation that does vital work in our community.

Our Private Client solicitors volunteered their time, skills and expertise free of charge throughout October. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and the care they put into each appointment.

A Heartfelt Thank You from St Gemma’s

The team received a warm message of thanks from St Gemma’s, expressing their appreciation for the campaign’s success and the collective effort behind it. They highlighted how invaluable the support of firms like ours is to the hospice’s mission. The whole ethos of the charity is to help local people with a terminal diagnosis make the most of the time they have left with loved ones.

Their message also reinforces just how meaningful this fundraiser is. Every Will written, every conversation held, and every donation made will support frontline hospice care delivered with sensitivity and warmth.

We would like to echo their gratitude to everyone who donated. Whether people contributed the suggested amount or went above and beyond (as many did), their generosity helps ensure St Gemma’s can continue offering exceptional care to those who need it most.

Supporting Your Future Planning, All Year Round

Make a Will Month may only take place in October but our commitment to helping people protect their loved ones is year-round.

Whether you need a first Will, want to update an existing one, or need advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts, probate, inheritance tax planning, or Court of Protection applications, our Private Client team is here to support you with clarity, compassion and expert guidance.

If you missed Make a Will Month, you don’t need to wait until next year. We’re always happy to help you get your affairs in order at a time that suits you.

Message the team at wills&probate@winstonsolicitors.co.uk

Client feedback

Monika made writing my Will very easy. Her calm and friendly approach was professional, clear and reassuring. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors.
Paul
I chose Winston Solicitors to deal with my wife's estate on the recommendation of a family member. I was very satisfied with the friendly attitude of the team. Everything was dealt with as quickly as possible bearing in mind that some documents needed to dealt with by a family member in America. i was kept informed of progress every step of the way. Wonderful service.
David
My wife and I recently contacted Winstons Solicitors, with a view to update our Wills and talk about Lasting Power of Attorneys.We were introduced to Emily Spencer (Solicitor), who was friendly, very knowledgeable and talked to us at length with good communications and understanding of what we were asking for. Emily also took her time to go through our Wills and explaining about Lasting Power of Attorneys and what this meant regarding the health and financial sides.Emily has a professional manner and puts you at ease when explaining the legal side of Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys, she goes through things carefully with understanding.She has been accessible throughout the processes, helpful with suggestions and replies to emails with effciency.Without hesitation we would recommend Winstons Solicitors, our experience has been smooth and faultless. It has been a pleasure dealing with Emily and Winstons Solicitors.
Kevin
Very thorough service and great communication throughout the whole process.
"Ruth"
We used Winstons to sort out our late fathers life interest trust. Emily was brilliant...very efficient, organised and knowledgeable.It was a complicated issue to us but Emily dealt with it quickly and efficiently...taking away the stress for us.
Mary
Emily Spencer was totally professional and answered all of our questions regarding drawing up Wills and our LPA. We have dealt with Winstons on two occasions now and will always go back to them.
Anonymous
My family and I have used Winstons for legal matters of all kinds, from Wills writing to property purchase and sales and advice on other personal issues. The service we have received has always been reliable, courteous and reflected our needs. We would have no hesitation in recommending Winston Solicitors to all potential users.
Anonymous
Highly professional and efficient service.They explained everything in plain English and made a complex process completely stress-free. I highly recommend them for PI Trust matters.
Anonymous
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