Law firm joins will writing scheme

Shrewsbury-based solicitors Matthews Legal is offering people across Shropshire a free will writing service to help boost legacy donations for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Currently four out of every ten vitally important missions are funded by gifts in wills with each air mission costing an average of £2,950 and each land mission costing an average of £288.

Matthews Legal Solicitors is now one of 15 law firms supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s free will writing service. The scheme raises awareness of the vital difference legacy donations make to the lifesaving pre-hospital service’s daily missions.

Emma Wood, head of fundraising and engagement for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: "Around 40 per cent of all our missions are funded through the legacies we receive from those who have thoughtfully remembered our charity in their will.

"People in Shrewsbury and the wider Shropshire area who are considering writing or updating their will can now do this completely free of charge with the team at Matthews Legal in partnership with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Anyone who leaves a gift to our charity will be making daily lifesaving missions possible in their local area as part of their legacy."

Steve Matthews, director of Matthews Legal Solicitors, said: "It is a real privilege to be involved, even in a small way, with helping the tremendous work carried out by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

“Many people understand that the charity provides a great service, and all of us know that there is a possibility that we, or our loved ones, might benefit directly from the charity's work one day.”

The free Will writing service, via Matthews Legal, is available to anyone in Shropshire aged 50 and over. A nominal fee is paid by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to the participating solicitors. Anyone who would like more information can visit: midlandsairambulance.com/freewillscheme.

Pictured:  from left, Liam Webb (critical care paramedic) Michelle McCracken (individual giving manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity), Simpho Adokorach Matthews, Steve Matthews and Louise Clayton for Matthews Legal, Dr Steph Cowan (flight doctor) and captain Chris Simpson