With one in 11 life-saving missions funded by a legacy, you can ensure Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust’s helicopters keep flying well into the future by supporting them in your will.

The Comet: It costs more than £500,000 every month to keep the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust running.It costs more than £500,000 every month to keep the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust running. (Image: Archant)

Recent research suggests that around half the adult population doesn’t have a will. Yet, no matter how old you are, having a will in place can mean peace of mind for your loved ones.

Making a will ensures affairs are in order, that your final wishes are met and loved ones are looked after in the future. Many also choose to show their support for a favourite charity, such as Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), in their will.

EHAAT operates two emergency helicopters and four supporting Rapid Response Vehicles covering Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas seven days a week. It costs over £500,000 a month to remain operational. Without access to National Lottery funding and with only limited support from Government, it relies on supporters across both counties for funding, including legacies.

Making a will needn’t be expensive or complicated, and experts recommend that people of any age consider making one, regardless of their age, health or family circumstances.

Dying without a will – or intestate as it is called – can cause legal and tax problems for whoever has to deal with your estate. This uncertainty can cause unnecessary worry for family and friends at what is already an upsetting time.

Once you’ve made a will you’ll have the peace of mind in later years that comes from knowing your wishes will be respected when it comes to supporting a charitable cause close to your heart. Any gift or legacy left to a registered charity is also free from Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax.

The Comet: The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust does not have access to National Lottery funding and with only limited support from Government, it relies on supporters across both counties for funding, including legacies left by the people of Hertfordshire and Essex.The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust does not have access to National Lottery funding and with only limited support from Government, it relies on supporters across both counties for funding, including legacies left by the people of Hertfordshire and Essex. (Image: Archant)

Jen Townsend, Finance and Legacy Officer at EHAAT said: “Any gift to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is gratefully received and means that we can continue to offer a life-saving service to the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.

“Since we do not receive any funding from central Government, we depend on the generosity of the people of Essex and Hertfordshire, particularly those who are kind enough to leave us a legacy. Last year around one in 11 of our life-saving missions was funded by a legacy.”

Why not celebrate your lifetime, provide for your loved ones, and at the same time help to ensure that your life-saving helicopter flies into the future?

For more information on leaving a gift in your will to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and the difference your gift will make please visit ehaat.org/ways-to-give and complete an enquiry form. Alternatively, contact Maria Alexander (Head of Fundraising) by emailing her on maria.alexander@ehaat.org or telephone the Fundraising Office on 0345 2417 690.