Vincents director invited to speak at St Catherine’s Hospice event

Leaving money to charity in a Will can reduce inheritance tax and help support a fantastic cause. This is the message from lawyer Lisa Lodge as she prepares to meet guests at two Gifts in Wills events being held at St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall.

The charity is bringing together supporters and members of the community later this month to find out how money which is left to the charity in Wills is spent, providing end of life care for terminally ill patients and supporting their families.

Lisa, head of Vincents Solicitors’ private client department, spends much of her time out in the community, working with charities and organisations to help people understand more about how the law can help them and their families.

She said: “I’m honoured to be asked to speak by St Catherine’s Hospice and have the opportunity to tell people how legacy giving can benefit both individuals and charities.

“Leaving a gift to a charity in your Will is an important part of the estate planning options available to people. It can significantly reduce your inheritance tax bill, just 10 per cent of your estate, for example, can bring your IHT bill down by four per cent. That means you’re choosing how your money is spent, and you’re doing a great thing as well.”

John Rullo, St Catherine’s head of fundraising, will welcome guests to the events on Thursday 22 January and Sunday 25 January, ensuring working people and parents also have the chance to attend, both starting at 2.30pm.Visitors will hear from the Hospice clinical team about the care they provide and initiatives the charity runs to help patients, and from the family member of someone who was a patient at the hospice.

John said: “The event aims to celebrate the gifts we have been left in the past, and what we’ve been able to achieve with that money. It’s also to thank those supporters and people in the community who are considering leaving us a gift in their Will, or just want to know a bit more about it, and explain the process in more detail.

“We’re delighted to have the support of Lisa Lodge and Vincents Solicitors for the events. Leaving a gift can benefit more than just the charity you choose, and Lisa will explain all the things people need to consider before making or updating a Will to include a gift, and answer any legal questions from our guests.”

St Catherine’s cares for patients and families across Chorley, Preston and South Ribble who are affected by life-shortening conditions like cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure.

Their specialised care is here to help people enjoy the best possible quality of life, to the end of life. We work with patients and their loved ones at the Hospice and in their own homes to help them achieve what is important to them in the time they have. We also offer bereavement support to everyone in our community.

The events are from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Lane. Anyone who wants to attend is asked to register via either of the links to receive further information:

Gifts in Wills event Thursday 22 January

Gifts in Wills event Sunday 25 January

ENDS

Pictured:  Lisa Lodge, Vincents Solicitors’ Private Client Director.