The multi award-winning comedian, actor and writer Dave Spikey has launched a new appeal for the Christie charity, highlighting the importance of making wills.

The renowned Phoenix Nights star is backing the charity's first ever Will Week which runs from the 20th to 24th September 2010.

More than 60 solicitors from all over the North West are supporting the week by offering a standard will writing and updating service for free in return for a donation to the charity, which raises funds for The Christie, one of Europe's leading cancer centres. Normally a will can cost anything from £60 to £150.

Dave, from Bolton, and whose brother was treated at The Christie, said; "I know just how vital it is to ensure things are in place and having a will can make a very difficult time a little easier.

"This special week is your chance to safeguard loved ones whilst supporting the Christie charity which helps to fund extra services for cancer patients, research and building developments.

"I have a special bond with The Christie because they gave my brother Peter an extra 20 years of life. He was just 21 years old when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and treated at this wonderful cancer centre.

"Peter sadly died in 2008 when the cancer returned but without the outstanding care he received from staff at The Christie he wouldn't have been able to go on and have his precious family.

"Don't put it off until tomorrow. Please support this important week, protect your loved ones and help the Christie too".

Legacy Officer at the Christie charity, John Bremend said; "The Christie Will Week aims to highlight the importance of making or updating a will to safeguard and provide for loved ones - especially if your circumstances have changed in recent years and your current will may not consider grandchildren, changes in marital status or property ownership.

"The week will also highlight how legacy gifts, no matter what size, left to our charity are becoming more and more vital to help pay for patient services, research and building developments.

"Much of The Christie's international reputation for excellence has been built on legacies left to our charity and account for over a third of our charitable income each year."

For more information and to obtain a full list of participating solicitors go to www.christiewillweek.org or contact John Bremend at the Christie charity on 0161 446 - 3988.

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