A former patient left £250,000 to a hospice in his will - one of the biggest donations the charity has received.

St Luke’s Hospice was given the bequest by former patient Eric Rawson, who received end of life care in the comfort of his home.

His solicitor and acting executor Bharat Pindoria, of Pindoria Solicitors in Stanmore, presented the cheque.

Mr Pindoria, on behalf of the estate of Eric Rawson, said: “I am very glad and proud that St Luke’s has received a generous donation in Mr Rawson’s will. This donation will continue the excellent work St Luke’s does in the community.

"The care that their patients are given is remarkable, together with the support they give to their families at such difficult times.

“This donation from Mr Rawson will allow St Luke’s to carry on the excellent work it does for all those in our community.

“I hope this act of immense generosity inspires more people to leave a legacy in their wills to charities.”

St Luke’s director of fundraising Pam Russell said: “St Luke’s Hospice is tremendously grateful to Mr Rawson and Pindoria Solicitors for this generous legacy.

“Every legacy, large or small is gratefully received and will make a valuable contribution to our patient care, but a legacy of this size will make a tremendous difference to the hospice.

She added the money could pay for 40 per cent of the costs of the hospice's home care team, which gives patients access to care in the surroundings of their own home with visits from doctors and nurses.

During recent years St Luke's Hospice has received less government funding but an increase in demand for its services.

In order to keep running and providing services to the people of Harrow and Brent St Luke’s needs to raise £3 million each year.