Anna Kirk (Senior Fundraising Manager at St Lukes), Kathryn Wheeldon (Head of Wills & Probate Team at Banner Jones), Emily Gascoyne (Will Writer at Banner Jones), Jenna Hadfield (Will Writer at Banner Jones) and Matthew Sheridan (Senior Fundraising Manager at St Lukes).

The Wills and Probate team at Banner Jones has helped to raise more than £1800 for St Lukes Hospice after participating in a Free Wills initiative, in addition to making a £2,000 contribution to the charity’s operating costs.

Every year Sheffield-based St Luke’s Hospice partners with local law firms across the city to offer members of the public the opportunity to have their will written or updated, free of charge, in return for a donation to the charity.

The funds raised contribute significantly to its ongoing efforts to support those with incurable illnesses – caring for more than 1,800 patients every year, as well as providing support to their families and carers.

While around 30% of its funding is provided by the NHS, St Luke’s also relies heavily on the generosity and commitment of its supporters. In 2023 alone the charity also needs to raise an additional £7.5million to remain operational.

Advertisement

Gifts in Wills already fund the care of 1 in 5 of the charity’s patients, and the £1835 donated by Banner Jones as part of the Free Wills initiative will further boost its efforts.

The additional £2,000 contribution to St Luke’s operating costs by the law firm will also help to pay for hundreds of hot meals for patients, as well as allowing it to deliver physiotherapy treatments and care at home.

Commenting on the firm’s contribution, Kathryn Wheeldon, Head of the Wills and Probate team at Banner Jones, said: “It is such a reassurance to know that there are such amazing facilities available to those that need it locally. The support that the St Luke’s staff give both in the hospice and in the Specialist Palliative Care Community Team is incredible and we are proud to support them where we can.”

Matthew Sheridan, Senior Fundraising Manager from St Lukes, added: “The St Luke’s Will Month is now a firmly established part of our calendar, and one that gives us the chance to offer people a valuable service whilst at the same time they are supporting us.

“However, the month would not be possible without the support of companies like Banner Jones, and we thank them enormously for their help in raising both awareness and funds.”

Banner Jones is a Legal 500 listed law firm, which provides legal advice to both individuals and businesses, and which operates across South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire.

Its 130 strong legal team operates across a full spectrum of legal services; including personal matters such as Personal Injury, Divorce, Wills and Probate, Residential Property and Dispute Resolution.

Advertisement