LOCAL lawyers are showing some willpower to assist a much-loved Inverclyde charity by offering a free service this October.

Four local firms are inviting anyone looking to have their will written or amended to do so at no cost to them next month.

In return for the services the participating firms - Neill Clerk & Murray, Kingsley Wood & Co, Patten & Prentice and Cook, Stevenson & Co - ask those using the service to make a donation to Ardgowan Hospice.

Charlene Duncan of Neill Clerk & Murray told the Tele: "This past year has perhaps made people a bit more aware of their mortality.

"We offer this service all year round and usually have a good uptake of people willing to arrange their will whilst also supporting the hospice."

The suggested amounts are £95 for a basic will and £150 for a couple.

The latter comes in at usually double the cost, so Ardgowan fundraising officer Elaine McNeill is hoping local people will decide to make an effort to support the local compassionate place of care.

Elaine said: "By offering their time and expertise to write and amend wills for free, these local firms are encouraging 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 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 as we begin to bounce back after the pandemic."

Participating solicitors can arrange to hold consultations either face-to-face or virtually depending on individual needs.

With Ardgowan Hospice having to fundraise for over 60 per cent of their total income, funds raised will go towards services such as home visits from community nurse specialists, physical therapies and support for children and young people.

*To contact the solicitors call Neill Clerk & Murray on 01475 724522, 01505 874114 for Kingsley Wood & Co, Patten & Prentice on 01475 720306 or Cook, Stevenson & Co on 01475 722100.