Christmas is a time when we often think about what we can do for others, but as solicitor and hospice campaigner Richard Langdon tells Tony Kearney, it is also a time when we should think about what we can do for others after we're gone.

AMID all the turkey and the tinsel, Christmas still remains a time for reflection.

Campaigners hoping to build a new extension to a hospice, to offer round-the-clock care, hope this Christmas will be a time to reflect on how they can help others after they have passed away.

Solicitor and hospice supporter Richard Langdon is urging people to consider making a will, leaving a legacy to St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham City.

A legacy, he says, means money does not go to the tax man, but goes straight to those who need it.

Today's tax laws mean inheritance tax of 40 per cent is paid on everything over £275,000 - and rising property prices mean that an awful lot more people fall into the tax bracket.

For example, says Mr Langdon, anyone leaving an estate of £500,000 would see the Inland Revenue take a £90,000 slice of their family's inheritance.

Mr Langdon, a lawyer for the past 40 years, said: "A good solicitor will help you plan your will, ensure your family are protected and advise you on how you may be able to reduce that tax burden." He added: "Whatever you leave to charity, all goes to the charity.

"The Government gets nothing and it goes where you want it to go.

"I am sure most people would like to know that when they pay their taxes, the money goes where it should, but it never does, or never seems to. Your will, though, ensures it does and you save paying tax, as a charitable gift is exempt from tax.

"Get your will made now. Remember to leave something to charity, as much as you think can be afforded. Even if the charity only gets the estate if all other relatives have died first, there is still the possible tax saving and wonderful benefit."

Mr Langdon is asking people to support St Cuthbert's Hospice in their will - to help its Key Appeal to create a new extension which will offer 24-hour specialist palliative care.

He said: "It produces a service second to none. Time and again if I mentioned St Cuthbert's, I found that clients had had some connection with the hospice, a friend or family member had been helped.

"The hospice provides a hidden service. Unless you come in contact with it, you don't know its there, yet it's a large family organisation working quietly to make people's lives better, to reduce suffering and tension, to ease people through a difficult illness."

Recently, Mr Langdon had personal experience of the hospice movement when a close relative neared the end of her life and was found a place at a residential hospice for her final days.

Mr Langdon said: "We stayed there with a very dear relative whilst quietly and peacefully life slipped away for her. The care and dedication of the staff was exceptional.

"No matter what the hour of the day or night, they were there to help. They let my wife and I stay the night, sleeping 'rough' in the lounge, but so what. It was a time to remember and a time to reflect.

"Ultimately, life had to slip away, but peacefully and painlessly and with a continuing care.

"That care and support should be there for us all. The hospice movement is not all about sad endings. There are many happy ones. It provides a service second to none, but it can only be done with your help and support.

"Within about 12 months, St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham, will take a big leap forward when it starts offering a residential service - a goal that has been there from when it first opened.

"It needs financial support to achieve that and help it to go on doing so much good. On Durham's doorstep will be a wonderful facility.

"Why not do two things at one stroke - make your will or change an existing one, to ensure you save tax and leave something to charity. Let that charity be St Cuthbert's, your local hospice."