WORCESTER CATHEDRAL’s director of fund-raising has thanked solicitors in the city for their generosity in undertaking a will-writing service in a joint initiative over the summer which drew community support and raised thousands for the cathedral.

Four firms — Knights, QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright, SME Solicitors, and Talbots Law — gave their time for free. Everyone who took up the offer was asked to consider making a donation to the cathedral, and £6657.50 was raised.

“My heartfelt thanks go also to everyone who made a donation to the cathedral,” the director of fund-raising, Cathy Sloan, said. “This support comes just at the right time. We are heading for our busy season, and, as always at this time of year, we want to be a warm and welcoming space over Christmas. Wonderful support like this from the community will help us to be there for everyone.”

The chair of the Association of English Cathedrals, the Dean of St Albans, the Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, said on Wednesday: “Cathedrals are amazing places with thresholds that a wide range of people cross. They are living communities defined by the rhythm of worship, service to the community, and witness to the Christian faith.

“At the same time, they are part of our shared heritage, and tell the story of our nation across the last 1700 years. To keep our doors open and to maintain these national treasures, cathedrals are also expensive places. [Costs range] from £30k a day at Canterbury Cathedral to £6k a day at St Albans Cathedral.

“We receive no regular funding from the government or the Church of England; so we rely on the generosity of others, whether that is through regular giving, one-off donations, admission fees or grants, and we are always truly grateful for bequests. They make a real difference to our sustainability.”

Worcester has confirmed that the scheme will be back again next summer.