In ‘Remember a Charity Week’ retired journalist and former face of STV, Mike Edwards, reveals he has left a gift in his Will to Veterans’ charity Erskine, and urges others to follow his lead.

Mike, an Ambassador for the charity, which provides crucial support to nearly 1,000 Veterans and their spouses every year, speaks of the difference legacies make to Erskine residents on a daily basis.

“During my long career as STV senior reporter I was a regular visitor to Erskine.
It was my favourite job to interview residents on anniversaries such as the Battle of the Somme. I was privileged and honoured to hear their stories and share the remarkable historic accounts with newer, younger audiences”.

Any bequest left to Erskine is wonderful. It doesn’t matter the size or scale, even1% of your estate could go a huge distance to making the lives of residents here at Erskine so much more enriched and fulfilled. I know I have seen it first-hand. In 2018 thanks to the kindness of the late Mr Michael O’Donnell, Erskine was able to build five Assisted Living Apartments on the Erskine estate enabling Veterans to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

Your gifts can also help to provide beds, specialist nurses and equipment. They allow recreational programmes to be extended to benefit all our residents. Independence is precious, legacies can help Erskine purchase physiotherapy equipment which allows greater access to mobility.

The Erskine Activity Centre, which helps support Veterans by offering them companionship and the opportunity to learn new skills, operates thanks to gifts left by supporters.”

There are a number of ways to write a Will that includes a gift to Erskine. Erskine has teamed up with two specialist Will writing providers to offer free, no obligation Will writing. Using the free Will writing service does not obligate anyone to leave a gift to Erskine. However being prepared means loved ones can be confident that their last wishes are clear. Visit www.erskine.org.uk/legacies to find out more.

Mike said: “Erskine would be very privileged to receive a gift in your Will no matter what size, every gift helps the residents here at Erskine, thank you.”