LOCAL solicitors have teamed up with a York charity to offer people the chance to have their wills written professionally while raising funds for their local hospital.

York Teaching Hospital Charity’s (YTHC) Make a Will Week is taking appointments between October 8-12.

Anyone can take part and people can include a legacy to YTHC as well as making a donation at the time.

YTHC spokeswoman Maggie Bulman said: "This is a really important initiative for our charity as legacies are a significant and valued source of income.

"Leaving something to charity, whether the sum is small or large, is a wonderful legacy to leave.

"Donations help to fund the extras to improve our healthcare facilities above and beyond the NHS budget, helping patients in so many different ways from brightening up waiting rooms to providing an essential piece of equipment.

"We are extremely grateful to all of the solicitors who are doing this."

Among the solicitors taking part are Roche Legal, from Nether Poppleton, and Ramsdens Burn and Co, on Millfield Lane.

Melanie Pickering, a solicitor at Roche Legal, which is taking part for the first time, said: "Making a will is one of the most important things you will do.

"At Roche Legal we are passionate about charity work, because it allows us to give something back to the community.

"The YTHC is a cause close to our hearts, and the hearts of many of our clients, and we are therefore proud to be joining them this year for their will writing week, to help raise both awareness and funds for the charity that we know cares for our local hospitals."

To have your will written by making a donation or leaving a legacy call 01904 724521 or email charity.fundraising@york.nhs.uk to order a Make a Will Week leaflet.

More details at www.york.nhs.uk/makeawill