The Hospice of St Francis is helping people in St Albans and Harpenden to make a Will by running Make a Will Month this March.

The charity has teamed up with city solicitors including Taylor Walton based in Hollywell Hill, St Albans and Station Approach and Bretherton Law in Verulam Road, St Albans, who have agreed to waive or reduce their fees for preparing a standard will in lieu of a donation to The Hospice of St Francis.

Kate Rogers, the Hospice’s Trusts and Major Gifts manager, said: "I meet many people who just haven’t got round to making a will yet but it’s a big thing on their ‘to do’ lists. Our Make a Will month is a prompt to encourage people to think about their future wishes to ensure their assets and wishes are safeguarded for family and friends.

"We are very grateful to the nine participating solicitors in St Albans, Harpenden, who have joined the scheme and are happy to guide individuals through the will writing process, making it as straight-forward as possible."

Donations from last year’s Make a Will month appointments raised over £4,000 for the charity, which cares for patients with life-shortening illnesses across Herts and provides support for their families and carers.

Zoë Sivelle, solicitor at Taylor Walton said: "Some don't like trying to decide between family and friends who gets what, others think it’s something that people have to do in old age. Some don't like the paperwork, but for a lot of people, it is too thought provoking and sad.

"Having a will gives you peace of mind that your estate will be distributed in accordance with your wishes, whether that is to family members, friends or charities which you wish to support. Having a Will professionally prepared can also ensure that your estate is distributed in the most tax efficient manner.

"All this can be achieved whilst contributing to the Hospice of St Francis, a very worthwhile cause, by participating in their Make a Will month in March 2014. Once signed, you can live life to the full safe in the knowledge that your loved ones are provided for."

For more information email kate.rogers@stfrancis.org.uk or call 01442 869555.