SINCE joining forces with a top legal network, Barnardo’s has received £10 million in funding to help thousands of vulnerable children.

Five years ago the children’s charity linked up with QualitySolicitors, which has popular Talbots branches throughout the borough, to offer a will-writing service for those aged 55 or over.

As part of the service, people were asked if they wanted to support the charity’s work by leaving a gift in their will.

Just under 3,000 people, including folk from Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen, made the commitment to leave a lasting legacy to Barnardo’s.

Dylan Carroll, Barnardo’s ‘Gifts in Wills’ manager, said: “It’s amazing for our partnership with QualitySolicitors to have hit the £10m mark. We’re so grateful to those who have made a commitment to the children, young people and families that we work with."

Throughout the five-year partnership, QualitySolicitors Talbots have also run a number of fundraising events for the charity.

This includes a walk from the Halesowen to Kidderminster offices, ‘Wear Green to Work’ days in recognition of Barnardo’s branding colour, and various themed baking competitions.

Claire Smith, business development director at QualitySolicitors, said: “We’re delighted to be playing such a major part in this wonderful forward-thinking service, and we’re so proud that pledges have now gone past £10m.

"Our firms are always delighted to offer support to the many initiatives that the partnership undertakes and what better way is there to promote the benefits of making a Will.”