Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page.

 

Yes – the rumours are true – I am lacing up my trainers once again and running the London Marathon this year to raise money for the Free Representation Unit (FRU). 

 

I first became involved with FRU back in 2008. FRU is a charity that provides free legal advice, case preparation and advocacy in tribunal cases for people who couldn’t otherwise obtain legal support.

 

Sounds great - but why am I running 26.2 miles for them? Because I see firsthand how invaluable FRU’s work is, often assisting the most vulnerable members of society. And as a result of increasingly severe cuts to legal aid, we need your help more than ever.

 

From TODAY civil legal aid is no longer available for cases involving divorce, child custody, clinical negligence, welfare, employment, immigration, housing, debt, benefit and education.

£350m has been cut from the legal aid budget.

Citizens Advice has had their budget cut from £33m to 2m.

 

My first ever FRU case involved a young child with a rare genetic disease whose benefit entitlement had been reduced despite his severe physical and learning difficulties. Thanks to FRU’s involvement, the family were able to successfully appeal the decision and keep the financial support they needed to give their child every chance in life. Had we not been there - they would have faced a Tribunal entirely on their own.

 

But to do this - we need you. In order to work on hundreds of cases like these, FRU relies entirely on public donations, and that’s where you come in!

So please sponsor me now! And tell your friends!

Unlike running 26 miles, donating through Justgiving is quick and easy. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: FRU will receive your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.