The UK rail charities saw more than 1,000 people take part in the ‘Make a Will Month’ campaign which launched in March.

The scheme is also supported by the Retired Rail Officers Society (RROS) with the free will writing service carried out by Bequeathed. The service gives people the choice to begin their Will either online or via telephone with the legal firm providing up to 30 minutes of their expertise to support users create their will.

Once a will is complete, Bequeathed will send it out and it will need signing in front of witnesses before being returned to the firm, who then provide free, secure storage.

Users taking part in the free scheme are under no obligation to include Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) or Railway Mission within their will, however, the charities hope that those within the rail industry will consider offering support to them. A gift left in a will either as a donation or a percentage of an estate would mean that RBF and Railway Mission can keep up the good work in supporting the Railway Family providing support in difficult times or when in need.

Claire Houghton, CEO of the Railway Benefit Fund, said:

“We are amazed at the incredible take-up we saw during March and are delighted to be able to extend our free will writing service for a year. We’d also like to thank everyone who has made a donation or left a legacy when creating their will- this support enables our charities to be there for the Railway Family long into the future.”

Liam Johnston, Executive Director of Railway Mission said:

“In 2020 research from Canada Life today revealed that three in five (59%) of UK adults have not written a will. This equates to 31 million people, whose property, financial and other assets could be left to someone they have not chosen when they die. Railway Mission is delighted to be able to help the railway family write a will, free of charge, that will help ensure your ‘will’ is their choice.”

To find out more or to create a free will, please visit their websites:

Railway Benefit Fund: http://www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/events/make-a-will-month
Railway Mission: https://railwaymission.org/make-a-free-will-month