Children and families across Tayside, Fife and Edinburgh are benefiting from Thorntons’ latest charity wills initiative, which raised £43,500 for Radio Forth and Radio Tay’s Cash for Kids campaigns.

Every September Thorntons’ offices in Edinburgh, Bonnyrigg, Fife, Dundee, Perth and Angus waive their fees for those making wills, asking them to instead donate an equivalent sum to the charity.

The campaign has raised over £600,000 for Cash for Kids since it was established more than 27 years ago. 

The firm’s latest fundraising drive helped a diverse range of groups and individuals including Homestart Angus, which secured more than £3,000 to provide breakfast, drinks and healthy snacks for disadvantaged children attending family groups.

Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS), which provides support to unpaid carers, received funding to help offer respite trips designed to boost the mental health of young carers, and in Dundee, the firm’s donation supported the purchase of a specialist all-terrain wheelchair for a child with Muscular Dystrophy. The equipment has allowed the youngster to gain freedom and independence.

Also among the recipients was Edinburgh-based Capital Theatres which obtained funding to offer relaxed pantomime performances suitable for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory and communication disorders or a learning disability. Up to 900 youngsters from 12 special education schools were able to attend the special pantomime sessions. 

Emma Kemp, Regional Charity Manager at Cash for Kids, said: “I can’t begin to thank Thorntons, their employees and clients enough for their ongoing support to our charity. 

“Every year this incredible donation makes a huge difference to Cash for Kids, supporting us to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in our local communities. This donation will enable us to continue supporting children and young people who are suffering from life limiting illness, poverty, neglect, and those who require additional support to reach their individual potential.  

“The kindness and generosity Thorntons have given to us over the years has reached the lives of so many deserving children and on behalf of them all I want to say thank you.”

Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons, said: “Contributing to the communities where we live and work is very important to everyone at Thorntons.

“Cash for Kids provides a helping hand to those who need it most and it’s an honour to support its very important work.”