This month, we’re taking a brief break from our usual dinner-table debates about Wills and inheritance. Instead, I want to share something a little different – and something I still can’t quite believe I agreed to.
A few weeks ago, I had what I can only describe as an out-of-body experience. Or at the very least, an out-of-my-mind moment.
Let me explain.
A Conversation That Hit Home
I was chatting with a colleague of mine, Emma, who works for Havens Hospices in Southend-on-Sea. We were talking about the emotional shift people go through when they reach a stage of life where hospice care becomes necessary.
As Emma put it, something changes when the horizon shortens. People stop delaying. They stop avoiding. They get their affairs in order – not for themselves, but for the people they love.
“One of the few benefits of knowing your time is limited,” Emma said, “is that you finally make sure everything is exactly as you want it.”
And overwhelmingly, the same sentiment comes up again and again:
“I wish I’d done this sooner.”
So, dear readers, if you take nothing else from this month’s blog, please take this:
Don’t wait for a crisis. Do these things now – while stress, pressure and emotion aren’t clouding your judgement.
My Moment of Madness Begins…
Now, back to the strange part of the story.
As we were talking, Emma asked whether I’d help with fundraising for the Hospice. Several local solicitors had already said a very polite “no thank you”.
I, however, was multi-tasking (never a good sign) and said: “Yes, of course!”
She explained that they wanted people to sponsor me, and one lucky sponsor would get a free Will.
“Brilliant,” I said, still only half-listening.
Then came the sentence I didn’t fully hear:
“…and we’ll call it Extreme Will Writing – with you pretending to sign it while skydiving from 13,000 feet.”
Yes. Skydiving.
Me.
A man who vowed never to jump out of anything unless it was parked safely on the ground.
Once the shock wore off – and after imagining myself strapped to another human being armed only with a bedsheet – something else crept in:
This could actually make a real difference.
Why I’m Doing This
Havens Hospices provide extraordinary care, compassion, and dignity to people at the end of their lives.
And here’s the part that still floors me: They receive no government funding at all.
They rely entirely on donations to keep their doors open and their services free for every family who needs them.
So, if me plummeting through the sky helps raise money for such an important cause… well, I suppose that’s one way to leave my comfort zone in style.
How You Can Help
I’d be hugely grateful if you’d visit my JustGiving page and donate whatever you can:
Ian Nicholson is fundraising for Havens Hospices (justgiving.com)
And if you fancy entering the draw for a free will, simply email Emma, Legacy and In-Memory Fundraiser, at:
ehamilton@havenshospices.org.uk
Please get your entry in by the end of Children’s Hospice Week – Sunday 27th June. The draw will take place on Monday 28th June.
I’ll also be talking about the jump (and my business, once I’m breathing normally again) on Phoenix FM with Stewart Pink in early June.
Assuming I Survive the Landing…
I’ll be back next month with more will-writing wisdom – ideally with both feet firmly on the ground.
If you need help with anything Will-related – or just want to talk things through in confidence – you know where I am:
ian.nicholson@bwep.uk
01277 562 567
07919 241 386
Facebook: @bwepuk