A NORTH-EAST solicitor is launching a charity which aims to provide free legal advice to patients with lifelimiting illnesses.

Meg Kirby, who runs a legal practice in Newcastle, hopes the charity will eventually have branches in every part of the country.

She became aware of the lack of advice for seriously ill patients and their families while looking after her own father.

After talking to patients, hospital consultants and GPs, Ms Kirby decided to do something to fill the gap in services.

“I have had a lot of support from a number of doctors and hospices in the region who say they can’t wait for the service to get under way, because it is desperately needed,” said Ms Kirby.

LegaCare, which is expected to be granted charitable status shortly, aims to provide free legal advice and continued support for patients diagnosed with a serious illness.

Ms Kirby expects some of the most common issues it will help with are debt, employment, guardianship, matrimonial, insurance, living wills, wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney.

Anyone earning less than £30,000 would be eligible for free advice from LegaCare.

Anyone earning between £30,000 and £60,000 would be asked to make a donation to the charity, while anyone earning more than £60,000 would be asked to pay the going rate to the organisation.

“We believe there will be a tremendous demand for the service nationwide, but because the need will far outweigh initial funding expectations, the project will have to be piloted very carefully,” Ms Kirby added.

The kind of patients who would benefit include Mary, 29, who has had a bilateral mastectomy and requires chemotherapy. She has a twoyear- old daughter. Her husband has left her and wants the family home, which is in joint names.

Dr Richard Quinby, a retired North-East GP, said: “I am delighted to be able to support and recommend an original and exciting new charity which will be available to patients and carers.”

LegaCare’s first fundraising ball will be held at Wynyard Hall, between Billingham and Stockton, on Friday, February 18, from 7pm.

The event will have a Diamonds are Forever theme and will include a Shirley Bassey tribute artist.

Tickets are £99 a head and can be obtained by calling 01661-867019 or sending an email to jodie@legacare.org