A campaign starts next month to guarantee funds in the future for the hospice in High Barnet, which looks after seriously ill children and supports their families.
Solicitors in High Barnet, North Finchley and Cuffley in Hertfordshire are giving their time without fees throughout October.
“This allows us to give something back to a charity that does exceptional work,” Rory Thorp from Derrick Bridges law firm said. “Charities like Noah’s Ark are faced with ever increasing challenges. So this allows us to help where we can.”
Derrick Bridges in Wood Street, High Barnet, is one of three law firms taking part in the charity’s ‘make a Will’ month, along with YVA Solicitors in High Road, North Finchley, and Anvoner Law in Sopers Road, Cuffley.
The hospice takes referrals from the north London boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, Camden, Haringey and Islington, as well as neighbouring Hertsmere in Hertfordshire.
One of the children it treats is seven-year-old Willow Harris from Mill Hill who has been treated since she was two years old.
Willow’s mum Elaine Furze said: “I don’t know where we would have been without Noah’s Ark, or who we would have gone to. They have created so many amazing memories for us.”
The process for making a Will is easy, solicitors point out. Anyone interested needs to quote ‘Noah’s Ark Make a Will Month’ for an appointment.
Hospice engagement manager Cathy White said: “This is a perfect reminder to take the step of writing your Will that many of us tend to put off. They might also consider leaving a gift in their Will as well as a donation to help babies, children, young people and their families for generations to come, as a lasting legacy.”
Noah’s Ark suggests a £120 minimum donation for a basic Will or £175 for a pair of ‘mirror’ Wills for couples.
The hospice helps 400 families a year — but it costs £6million to run. Less than a third is covered by the NHS or government funding.
