Katy McGhie
BBCTalkbackTHAMES
Have you got a valid will? If so, you’re in the minority.
Every day, over 1,500 people die in the UK, and more than 70% of them die without a legally valid will – a truly shocking statistic, which can lead to conflict amongst the remaining family.
There are all kinds of reason why people put off writing their wills. Sometimes they have large families, or children by different marriages. Sometimes they aren’t sure how to divide the family business, or how to make sure relatives with special needs are looked after. It can be a complicated business, requiring specialist help and advice.
Free help
Now one of the country’s leading businessmen, Sir Gerry Robinson, wants to help change that. Assisted by expert legal advisors, he will help people to write their wills for a major new BBC2 series.
Sir Gerry has helped families before on the BBC. In two previous series, he gave free advice to family-run businesses. “My family is the most important thing in my life,” he says, “but I know how complicated family affairs can be. It can be tempting to put off addressing issues like this. But in the long-run, that only stores up trouble. Would you rather write your will yourself, or have the government write it for you by default?”
Sir Gerry is looking for families who might be interested in receiving free, expert help.
The programme’s producers would like to speak to anyone who is having trouble writing their will, or knows someone who is – perhaps you know your own parents have been putting it off, and need help? Or a relative, or friend?
All calls will be in strict confidence. Please call the production team on: 020 7861 8068 or email them at: legacy@talkbackthames.tv