Back in the late summer earlier this year, local solicitors Thatcher + Hallam announced that for the year 2020, they were going to nominate their chosen Charity of the Year, Dogs Friends, as the beneficiary of their Wills Month in October. Briefly, under this scheme, the firm of solicitors charge just £125 (plus VAT) for a single Will and £175 for a joint Will. The firm then donates the same amount (50% of the Will costs but exclusive of VAT) direct to Dogs Friends.

Laura Ablett is a solicitor and partner at Thatcher + Hallam and a specialist in the drafting of Wills.

'We have never done anything like this with Dogs Friends before,' says Laura. 'We did not really know what to expect. However, once the publicity on the scheme started to spread, the allocated spaces available began to be quickly snapped up.'

'We have only just finished calculating the exact amount raised last month and I am delighted to announce that we managed to raise the fantastic sum of £1,520 for the charity,' adds Laura. 'Like every other charity during the coronavirus, Dogs Friends has come under real financial pressure as many of the usual income streams were just no longer available to help them. If we are able to help such a great local charity such as Dogs Friends by organising something like our Wills Month, then we are extremely pleased to be able to do so. A huge 'thank you' must of course also be extended to our clients who participated in the scheme.'

The Chair of Dogs Friends is Rosemary Peacock.

'We are enormously grateful to Thatcher + Hallam (and their clients!) for this donation,' says Rosemary. 'It will make a real difference to the charity in these difficult times. Most of our work is done by volunteers and support like this is really encouraging to them. Thank you very, very much.'

'Our only regret is that because of the lockdown and social distancing, we are unable to physically deliver the cheque to the charity,' adds Laura. 'However, we have several other opportunities during the next few months when we will be able to carry out other initiatives and events raising money for Dogs Friends, such a really great organisation.'

To find out more about making a Will at Thatcher + Hallam visit their website by clicking HERE : the T+ H site

Or call them on 01761 414646.

More information about Dogs Friends, including on how to make a donation, can be found at www.dogsfriends.me.uk