NORTH DEVON Hospice, in conjunction with the Journal, is launching its first Make a Will Month.

As part of the initiative local solicitors have pledged to make a donation to the hospice for every will they write throughout October.

Ali Hunt, head of fundraising at North Devon Hospice, said: "By launching Make a Will Month, we hope to highlight how important it is for everybody to have a will, and to keep it up-to-date. It's not something that everybody likes to think about, but it is so important to make sure that the people and causes close to your heart are looked after in the future.

"To encourage people to make a will, or get their existing will up-to-date, around ten of our local solicitors have agreed to make a donation to the hospice for every will they write in October.

"There is no obligation to leave a gift to the hospice when you are writing your will.

"However, if you do decide to remember us with a gift, whether large or small, you will be helping to secure the future of the hospice and ensure we are here to care for local people for many years to come."

She added: "We were fortunate enough to receive an amazing £437,000 through gifts in people's wills last year. That shows just how important they are to us.

"These kind donations allow us to care for hundreds of patients and families every week who really need our help."

North Devon Hospice cares for more than 100 local people every day who are suffering from the impact of a life-threatening illness.

Their care includes specialist community nursing, day hospice, in-patient care, complementary therapies and emotional and spiritual support for the whole family.

The solicitors taking part in Make a Will Month are listed here. Call them to arrange for an appointment during October at which time you can talk about the various will-writing options, with no obligation.

For more information about the types of gift you could pledge to North Devon Hospice call Ali Hunt on 01271 347206.