PEOPLE in Worcester are being urged to help make life better for families of dying children by joining Acorns Children's Hospice's Make a Will Week.

Teacher Anne Rumson is among those backing the campaign, which started yesterday and runs until Sunday.

Ms Rumson saw first hand the stress and strain on families with ill children when her close friend lost a daughter - before a children's hospice was available in Worcester.

Ms Rumson, from Hereford, wanted to remember Acorns Children's Hospice in her will so she took the charity's offer of a reduced price will writing service, provided by local solicitors backing the hospice.

Harrison Clark solicitors, in Worcester, is offering single, straightforward wills for £45, and £65 for a mirror' will for couples. The firm is donating its fees back to the hospice.

Ms Rumson hopes people will join Make a Will week, and said: "I worked with four-year-olds as a school teacher. I know how fragile a child's life can be, and when their life is limited, the pressure that places on the family.

"Making a will for Acorns means I can leave a gift to help make the most of the precious time they have."

Cal Jordan, whose son Alex, 11, attends the Worcester hospice said: "Acorns' service is invaluable for the whole family of a life-limited child.

"Respite care for Alex enables us to take his nine-year-old sister Carenza out and do things that he can't do. Carenza also has her own special friend through Acorns' sibling support. She gets so much from having someone she can relate to, and who knows her situation.

"I hope many will look to their future, and ours, by supporting Make a Will Week."

To support Make a Will week, call Harrison Clark on 01905 744875 this week and arrange an appointment. The appointment must take place before Friday, October 13.

See www.acorns.org.uk for more details, or call the legacy officer on 0845 120 6892.