Essex Community Foundation Spring Reception

On Thursday (4th May) local charity, the Essex Community Foundation (ECF), held their spring reception at Layer Marney Tower. Head of the TSP Wills and Estates team, Fiona Ashworth, was one of two guest speakers, who shared stories about their involvement with the Foundation and how the Foundation is able to help local people.

Fiona first became aware of the foundation in 2000, when she met the now retired CEO of the foundation, Laura Warren. At that event she learnt about the generosity of the Marks family who started the Foundation and the work that ECF carry out to support the Essex community. In the intervening years Fiona has attended many events organised by the Foundation. Fiona says “As a solicitor I have a duty to act in my clients’ best interests and therefore, when I'm talking to clients about lifetime planning and they say they want to include a charitable gift, I will always discuss a range of charitable options with them. However, my knowledge of ECF means that, if a client would like to know more, I am able to explain the work of the Foundation and the benefits that can be achieved through a bequest that enables the donation to reach its intended destination.  I am able, if a client wishes, to introduce them to members of the Foundation to allow them to find out for themselves how it all works, and how local people benefit.”

Fiona adds “Many clients have a perception that large sums of money are needed to make a legacy to a charity worthwhile, but this is not the case.  Even small donations add up and can do a lot of good. You don’t have to have a multi-million pound fortune to create a lasting legacy and it is a rewarding way for many to make a difference in our lifetime and beyond.”

The Essex Community Foundation is an independent charitable trust which invests and distributes funds on behalf of a wide range of donors directly into causes within Essex, Thurrock and Southend. The organisation was started by the Marks family following the sale of their family business Trebor in 1996, with the belief that the Foundation could help meet the needs of the most vulnerable in the county. More information about the Essex Community Foundation can be found here.

Fiona Ashworth  is pictured above (centre) with Shannon Currie of Perceptive Planning (left) and Rachel Skells of Whittles (right).

For more information about leaving a legacy in your Will or for Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration advice, Fiona and the team can be contacted on 01206 574431 or by email at info@tsplegal.com