Acorns launches quirky facts list to promote free Will service
What do Pringles, long-lost loves and lost iTunes libraries have in common? See the fascinating list below to find out. Acorns Children’s Hospice has released a list of the top 10 most amazing and surprising facts as the charity offers a free professional Will-writing service as part of a national campaign.
This list, compiled by the charity’s legacy team, ranges from the romantic, to the bizarre, while highlighting serious legal pitfalls that catches out thousands of people every year.
Digital music isn’t yours to give away – If you have thousands of pounds of music on iTunes or Amazon Prime you actually don’t own the tracks. When you die, the licence just expires. Sad times.
The shortest Will in history – The shortest valid Will on record is widely cited as consisting of just three words: “All to wife”.
The marriage ‘trap’ – In England and Wales, getting married usually CANCELS any existing Will you have, and your new spouse could inherit the bulk of your estate (and potentially disinheriting your children).
Getting divorced – Unlike getting married, divorce DOES NOT cancel your Will and parts of your estate could end up going to distant relatives you barely know.
Secret money – You can leave money to someone privately, like a long-lost love or an old friend, without their name appearing on record.
The ‘murder’ rule – You can’t inherit from someone you have unlawfully killed. Rightly so, so don’t even think about it.
A rose every single day – Comedian Jack Benny left a large sum to a local florist with instructions to deliver one red rose every day to his wife for the rest of her life.
Buried in a Pringles tube – The man who designed the Pringles tube was so proud of his accomplishment that he requested that his ashes be buried in one.
You can’t leave money to your pet – If your cat was hoping for a diamond collar when you die, they’ll be disappointed.
Making a Will can be completely free – A free Will-writing service is available with Acorns Children’s Hospice – just visit acorns.org.uk/willwriting. Perhaps the most amazing fact of all!
Lindsay Mottram, Legacy Manager for Acorns, said: “Wills are often seen as a gloomy topic, but as our list shows, they can be full of personality, romance and even humour.
“Number 10 is our favourite – and means you can make a Will right now without worrying about the cost.”
She added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift to Acorns, many people find that once their own family is provided for, including a gift in their Will is a beautiful way to be remembered. It’s a powerful way to say that local children matter.”
The charity also released this list to bust the myths that surround making a Will.
Top 5 Myths – True or False?
Wills are only for the rich – False. Everyone has something worth leaving no matter what the size.
Making a Will is Morbid – False. A Will gives peace of mind and protects your family.
Wills are just for the elderly or ill – False. Everyone over 18 should have a Will, especially parents.
Making a Will is complicated – False. Professional Will writers make it simple and stress free.
I don’t need a Will because I’m married – False. Without a Will, your spouse may not inherit everything.
Legacies are vital to Acorns, which cares for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and supports their families through the most difficult times and facing grief.
Lindsey said: “By leaving Acorns a gift in your Will, no matter the size, you are ensuring that families going through the unimaginable will receive the care they deserve.”
The national campaign – called This is Hospice Care –features TV advertising and aims to raise awareness about the crucial role that hospices play in the community.
Get a free Will today by visiting acorns.org.uk/willwriting, or if you have any questions contact the Acorns Legacy team by emailing legacy@acorns.org.uk or telephoning 01564 825039.
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 75% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community and income from its charity shops.
