Age UK worker urges people to 'make a will'

A volunteer with Age UK has spoken out to say that people should use a will writing service following the death of a man who had not written his will.

Edwin Nottingham was persuaded to make a legal declaration by Loretta Earle, who visited him and other neighbours in Upper Poppleton, but the appointments that were made for him to get free will writing advice were never met, the York Press reported.

Now Ms Earle - who visited Mr Nottingham for nine years following his wife's death – has highlighted the importance of making this document.

She said: "I am always saying to people: 'If you want something, get a will written or get something in writing'."

At his death in November, Mr Nottingham owned his parents' property, his own home and had money in several bank accounts, all of which will be handed over to the Treasury's solicitor.

Before he died Mr Nottingham told Ms Earle that he wished to leave money in his will to a number or organisations, including the Royal British Legion and the Cats Protection League, none of which will now receive any money from his estate.

In addition, a recent court ruling that overturned a testament which left the RSPCA a large estate may have left charity wills at risk.

Published by Hannah Carr