Will writer plans wills for soldiers before Afghan tour
A Shropshire will writer today said it was vital people serving their country abroad had a will in place after he prepared the wills for soldiers’ hours before they flew to Afghanistan.
Terry Le Long, owner of NLS Shropshire Will and Trust Services based in Telford, was given just hours notice before flying to Germany to write the wills for dozens of soldiers in the 5th Battalion The Rifles before they flew to Afghanistan within two days of him arriving at their base in Germany.
Mr Le Long, who is the regional chairman of the Society of Will Writers for Shropshire, Staffordshire and Mid Wales, said he was pleased all of the men and women returned home safe last month but they left knowing their families’ future was safe and their wishes were known.
He worked through the night on their base in Germany writing the wills after holding individual meetings in order for the soldiers to sign the documents the following day before leaving the country.
Mr Le Long, based at The Shropshire Chamber of Commerce on Stafford Park, said: “Those soldiers’ main priority was their families back home and they wanted to leave the country knowing the risks they faced but also knowing their wishes were known and their estate was secure.
“Within three days I had travelled to Germany, met each soldier, prepared their will for them to sign and brought the documents back to the UK.”
The wills and estate planning expert said young soldiers often signed up for their tour of duty but the risk they faced every day on the front line did not hit them until the hours before they went.
“Obviously we all hope and pray that every one of our soldiers returns home but we know that is not always the case.
“I would urge anybody serving in our forces to consider making a will before they go and they can be safe in the knowledge that their next of kin will know their exact wishes.
“People often only think of a will when they have children of their own but it is important to have a will in place for the benefit of partners, next of kin and all family members.
“It was a privilege to work with such fantastic people who are determined to make a difference in Afghanistan,” Mr Le Long added.
Captain Ian Wilkins, of the 5th Battalion The Rifles said Mr Le Long’s expertise had proved “invaluable” especially for soldiers who have gone through divorce or had children outside wedlock.
He prepared the wills for a reduced price of £50 instead of the normal price of £127, adding: “It was the least I could do for those who gave so much.”
