LAWYERS across Inverclyde are will-ing to assist a much-loved local charity by offering a free service this October.

Five local firms are inviting anyone looking to have their will written, or amended, to do so across the month at no cost to them.

Instead, they ask that those using the service make a donation to Ardgowan Hospice in return.

Hospice supporters wishing to take advantage of the scheme will be able to make a donation amount of their choosing.

The suggested amounts are £95 for a basic will and £150 for a couple. With the latter coming in at usually double the cost, Ardgowan fundraising officer Elaine McNeill is hoping local people will decide to make an effort to support individuals living with life-limiting illness, particularly during this time of uncertainty.

Elaine told the Tele: "We are very grateful to our partnering solicitors for their support.

"By offering their time and expertise to write and amend wills for free, they are encouraging local people to pledge a donation to help vital care at Ardgowan Hospice.

"With the decision being so personal, we want to first and foremost make sure people are just ensuring they have made a will.

"Any help they can offer the hospice, whether that be a one-off donation or a gift in their will, will be hugely appreciated during what are extremely unprecedented times for fundraising."

Participants will also be given the chance to leave a gift for the hospice within their will.

Money raised by the firms across the month will go towards funding services such as home visits from community nurse specialists, the award-winning patient transport service, physical therapies and emotional support for adults and young people, plus important treatments within the eight bed in-patient unit and more.

Ardgowan Hospice is required to raise over 60 per cent of its total income and has seen its calendar of events this year ruined by the pandemic.

The participating solicitors are Neill Clerk & Murray (01475 724522), McClure Solicitors (0800 852 1999), Kingsley Wood & Co (01505 874114), Cook, Stevenson & Co (01475 722100) and Patten & Prentice (01475 720306).

People who have chosen to include a gift for Ardgowan in their will should email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk for more information.

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Back L-R are Charlene Duncan of Neill Clerk & Murray, Cathy Dyer of McClure Solicitors and Craig Brown of Patten & Prentice.

Front L-R are Helen Bradley and Carol Pyper of Ardgowan Hospice.