Amanda Howfield, a Director at local law firm Farnworth Shaw, is helping Pendleside Hospice encourage local people to think about their future by supporting its Free Wills Service.

Farnworth Shaw is one of a number of local solicitors partnering with Pendleside to offer people the opportunity to make or update their Will free of charge. As part of the service, people are also encouraged to consider leaving a gift to Pendleside in their Will, helping to safeguard the future of hospice care for local families.

For Amanda, supporting the Free Wills Service is particularly meaningful. Her relationship with Pendleside stretches back more than 25 years and has been shaped by both her professional experience and the personal loss of a close friend who was cared for at the Hospice.

Around 16 years ago, one of Amanda’s very good friends was admitted to Pendleside and sadly died whilst in the Hospice’s care. She has also had a number of other friends receive care and support from the organisation over the years.

Those experiences have given Amanda a deep understanding of the difference Pendleside makes to local people and strengthened her belief in the importance of protecting its future.

“I work on the theory that we, or any of our relatives or friends, may well be in need of the care and support of the Hospice at some time in the future,” Amanda explains.

“If we don’t help it whilst we are not in need of your services, then it may well not be there when we do.”

But Amanda’s connection with Pendleside began long before she joined the firm’s leadership team.

In the late 1990s, Amanda was working at a local GP practice when she and her colleagues were invited to visit Pendleside to learn more about the Hospice and the care it provided.

At the time, Amanda admits she was apprehensive about the visit.

“I was only in my early 20s at this time and I didn’t really want to go, as I thought that it was a sad place where people went to die,” she recalls.

However, her first impression of Pendleside was very different from what she had expected.

“I did go and the first thing I noticed when walking in was that the place was amazing. There was laughter and people having a good time, which was a total surprise.”

The visit changed Amanda’s perception of Hospice care. She not only learned about the care and support provided to patients and families, but also about the vital role fundraising plays in ensuring Pendleside can continue to be there for the community.

Since that first visit, Amanda has continued to support the Hospice in numerous ways.

Amanda and a friend took part in almost all of Pendleside’s Ladies Only Midnight Walks, while she and her husband have taken part in Pendle Pub Walk almost every year since it began, often joined by friends.

When Amanda became a Director at Farnworth Shaw, she championed Pendleside becoming one of the firm’s preferred charities. So, when the opportunity arose for the firm to support the Hospice’s Free Wills Service, becoming involved felt like a natural next step.

For Amanda, the service is about much more than simply helping people put their affairs in order. It is about encouraging people to think about what matters to them, their loved ones and their community. More importanly, how they can help ensure Pendleside is there for generations to come.

Through its partnership with Pendleside, Farnworth Shaw is helping local people take an important step towards planning for their future, while considering the lasting difference a gift in their Will could make.

For Amanda, it is a commitment that began with one unexpected visit more than 25 years ago and has grown into a personal and professional connection with Pendleside.

For more information about Leaving a Gift in your Will, please get in touch with Sarah Holdsworth, our In-Memory & Legacy Fundraiser via email [email protected]