Recent reports suggest that the nation’s increasing penchant for dangerous sports and hobbies is leading to a sharp rise in people making wills.
Quite apart from the long-standing traditions of playing football, cricket or tennis in our spare time, it seems we have now found a taste for some more exhilarating pursuits. But this doesn’t mean we don’t recognise the dangers involved.
Increasingly people are taking up mountain biking or rock climbing or going on adventure holidays trekking through treacherous terrains, skiing or bungee jumping. Even the UK’s appetite for long-distance running is prompting people to take a look into the future and take action for making their will.
The UK’s passion for sport and fitness is booming, but thankfully we haven’t overlooked the risk of overstretching our limits. The recent London Marathon saw an army captain David Seath, 31, die from a cardiac arrest on the 23-mile mark, while people have suffered suspected heart attacks simply playing five-a- side football. The plight of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher – who suffered brain damage in a skiing accident in 2013 – has also led to people being more aware of the devastating consequences of their hobbies, even if it hasn’t completely put them off.
Every individual has a threshold of distance, duration or intensity and we need to be aware of the risks to our health, particularly of a cardiovascular nature. But people are also aware of fatal injuries that can occur purely by accident whilst partaking of their favourite pursuit.
It seems some high profile cases have led to people fearing for the consequences and ramifications of their hobbies, and planning a will accordingly. While fitness is key to a healthy life, we should be aware that we need to safeguard our loved ones in the case of a fatal accident that could happen anywhere, and against the possible consequences of over-exertion, by making a will and ensuring it is legally-binding.
