A Wards Solicitors partner has cited a summer job at the firm where her father was a senior partner as inspiration to become a solicitor and her love of the community to support Weston Hospicecare.

Rebecca Parkman is a partner of Wards Solicitors and has been involved with the charity’s annual Make Your Will Week since it began in 2012, helping to raise £98,860.

Make Your Will Week gives people a chance to draw up a will in exchange for a donation to the charity with solicitors offering their professional services for free in support of the hospice.

The minimum donation stands at £120 for an individual will and £200 for a mirror will, which represents a generous discount from standard prices while supporting the hospice’s expert care for those with life-limiting conditions in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding areas.

Rebecca said: “Wards Solicitors was one of four local firms who got together with Weston Hospicecare to plan and launch the first ever Make Your Will Week back in 2012.

“The scheme has since gone from strength-to-strength and in the past seven years has raised nearly £100,000 for Weston Hospicecare with hundreds of local people making wills as a result.”

One reason Rebecca has remained committed to the initiative is her genuine passion for helping people in the area where she has lived for her whole life.

She said: “I was inspired to become a solicitor after a summer holiday job working as a receptionist at Alletsons Solicitors, based in the town, where my father Ian Jerram was a senior partner.

“I became a partner at Wards Solicitors when Alletsons merged with the firm in 2004. I love being part of a larger firm while maintaining strong roots in the local community. This means we can offer a full range of services to local families and businesses.

“I am more than delighted to give my time to Weston Hospicecare’s Make Your Will Week which raises funds for this amazingly important local charity. At the same time, I am pleased to be able to encourage local people to make or update their wills, two things I believe are very important.

“I know from the positive feedback we receive every year many people, who might not otherwise have seen a solicitor, have benefitted from drawing up wills through the scheme.”

Last year, Make Your Will Week raised more than £18,000 and this year will run from 11-15 February.

Appointments must be booked directly with any participating solicitors, including Wards Solicitors, Berry Redmond Gordon & Penney, BGW Solicitors, Star Legal, Bennetts and John Hodge Solicitors, before 28 January.

Rebecca added: “Weston Hospicecare is tremendously important to our local community. Anyone who has received support from the hospice at what can be the most difficult of times knows how invaluable its work is.

“Weston Hospicecare holds a special place in the hearts and affections of countless individuals and families in the area.”

For more information about Make Your Will Week, contact Anita by emailing anita.wiegel-lloyd@westonhospicecare.org.uk or by calling her on 01934 423931. Alternatively click here for more details.