I’ve always been a fan of people who live life to the fullest. Whether it’s hurtling down a hillside on a mountain bike or navigating a half-tonne of horse through a series of jumps, there’s something to be said for the grit and passion of UK hobbyists. But, as the owner of The Professional Will Writer, I tend to see the side of these hobbies that people don't like to talk about over a post-ride pint.
I’m Stephen Pett, and while I’m not here to be a "Negative Nancy," my job involves looking at the "what ifs." When you’re mid-air or mid-corner, the last thing on your mind is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Yet, statistically speaking, some of our favourite weekend pastimes are more than just a bit of fun: they are high-stakes gambles with your physical and financial future.
Let’s take a look at the hobbies that keep the UK's trauma wards: and occasionally my office: quite busy.
1. Equestrianism: The Unpredictable Half-Tonne Partner
If you think horse riding is just a gentle trot through the countryside, think again. Statistically, equestrian sports are among the most dangerous activities you can undertake in the UK. We aren't just talking about a bruised ego after a tumble; we’re talking about high major trauma rates.
Unlike a bike or a car, a horse has a mind of its own. When a rider falls, they aren't just hitting the ground; they are often falling from a significant height, sometimes with the horse landing on top of them. Head injuries are common, even with the best helmets on the market.
Why this matters to me: I’ve seen cases where a fall has led to a long-term brain injury. If you’re incapacitated, who is making your medical decisions? Who is paying the livery fees for the horse that just bucked you off? Without an LPA, your family might have to go through a costly and slow court process just to access your bank account.
2. Motorsports: The Need for Speed (and Paperwork)
Whether it’s track days at Brands Hatch or amateur motocross on a muddy field, motorsports are a staple of British adrenaline culture. The risks here are obvious: high speeds plus mechanical failure or human error equals a very bad day.
The gear is better than ever, but the physics haven’t changed. Impact injuries, spinal damage, and concussions are part and parcel of the sport. I’ve noticed that while racers are meticulous about their brake pads and tyre pressure, they are often surprisingly lax about their "legal insurance."
If you’re involved in a high-speed shunt and end up in a coma or needing intensive rehab, your life doesn't pause. The mortgage still needs paying. Your business still needs managing. If you haven't sorted out your Lasting Power of Attorney, you’re leaving your loved ones in a massive legal mess.
3. Cycling: From BMX to the Open Road
Cycling has exploded in popularity, but so have the accident rates. Road cycling in the UK is, frankly, a bit of a contact sport at times, thanks to our aging infrastructure and the "vibrant" relationship between motorists and cyclists. Then you have BMX and mountain biking, where gravity is your primary opponent.
I’m often asked, "which is more important, a Will or a Lasting Power of Attorney?" For a cyclist, the answer is usually both. A Will protects your family if the worst happens on a blind bend, but an LPA is what keeps your life running if you survive the crash but lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself.
4. Climbing and Mountaineering: A 1% Risk
According to research by experts like Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter, mountaineering is statistically one of the deadliest hobbies out there. Some estimates suggest a 1% risk of death per climb for high-level mountaineering. That is 1,000 times more dangerous than running a marathon.
Even "safer" versions like indoor climbing or bouldering come with the risk of falls and head strikes. Mountaineering, however, adds the complexity of isolation. If you’re injured on a remote peak, the recovery time isn't just about the hospital stay; it’s about the weeks or months of "limbo" while you recover. During that time, someone needs the legal authority to talk to your bank or your employer.
5. Gliding and Private Aviation
There is a unique thrill to gliding: using the elements to stay aloft. However, aviation-based hobbies are classified as high-risk by almost every insurance provider for a reason. When things go wrong in the air, they go wrong very quickly and very seriously.
Private pilots often have a very logical, checklist-oriented mindset. You wouldn't take off without checking your fuel or your flaps. So, why would you live your life without checking that your estate is in order? In my opinion, a Will and an LPA should be part of every pilot’s pre-flight checklist.
The "Boring" Bit: Why You Need an LPA and a Will
I get it. You’re reading this because you love the thrill, not because you want to talk about "intestacy" or "nil-rate bands." But here’s the cold, hard truth: if you have a high-risk hobby, being proactive about your legal affairs isn't "giving up" or being morbid: it’s being responsible.
The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
If a hobby leads to a head injury or a long recovery period where you can't communicate, an LPA allows someone you trust to step in.
- Property and Financial Affairs: They can pay your bills, manage your mortgage, and ensure your business doesn't collapse.
- Health and Welfare: They can make decisions about your medical treatment and care.
Without these, your family might be locked out of your accounts at the exact moment they need the money to support your recovery. You can read more about how this works with banks and building societies here.
The Will
No one likes to think about it, but if a "thrill" goes wrong and results in a fatality, a Will is the only way to ensure your loved ones are looked after. If you die without one, the law (intestacy) decides who gets what. Believe me, the law's idea of "fair" and your idea of "fair" are rarely the same.
Whether you need to protect vulnerable children or simply want to avoid Will disputes, getting it down on paper is essential.
My Personal Take: Adrenaline is Great, Messes are Not
In my years as The Professional Will Writer, I’ve seen too many families struggling to pick up the pieces after an accident. It’s heart-breaking because it’s so avoidable. A quick chat with an expert like myself can get the foundations in place so you can go back to your horse, your bike, or your plane with total peace of mind.
Think of an LPA and a Will like a helmet or a roll-cage. You hope you never need them, but you’d be a fool to head out without them.
Are your affairs in a "legal mess," or are you prepared for whatever the weekend throws at you? It might be time for a review of your Will or to finally get that LPA registered.
Don't Leave it to Chance
If you’re a thrill-seeker, or even if your most dangerous hobby is just walking the dog (those Labradors can be surprisingly fast!), let’s have a coffee and a chat. I make the process simple, jargon-free, and: dare I say: almost as painless as a smooth landing.
Ready to get sorted?
Just get in touch for a free chat. I’ll help you make sure that even if things go sideways, your family won't be left in the lurch.
Stephen Pett
Owner, The Professional Will Writer