NORTH East Herts MP Oliver Heald has called on residents to take advantage of an upcoming national campaign. Will Aid, which is launched next month, encourages people to make a will and helps raise funds for charity - including ActionAid and Sight Savers

NORTH East Herts MP Oliver Heald has called on residents to take advantage of an upcoming national campaign.

Will Aid, which is launched next month, encourages people to make a will and helps raise funds for charity - including ActionAid and Sight Savers International.

The campaign comes after research identified that only one in seven people have an up-to-date will.

Mr Heald said: "It is quite astonishing how very few people have an up-to-date will and so are risking their loved ones' financial security.

"Even married couples can only automatically inherit up to certain financial limits laid down in law, and may end up having to sell off the family home. It's also important to make provision for the financial security and guardianship of your children."

Will Aid provides the perfect opportunity for people to put their affairs in order. Will Aid solicitors will draw up a basic will free of charge in return for a donation to charity.

Since its launch in 1988, the campaign has raised more than £6 million in donations, which are distributed amongst the participating charities and help transform the lives of children, elderly people, families and communities both in the UK and abroad.

Mr Heald added: "Writing a will is something every adult should do and review as circumstances change. The powerful thing about Will Aid is that it also enables people to help improve the lives of many other people."

For more information on Will Aid contact 0870 6060239 or visit www.willaid.org.uk