"STC has a special place for me and I am delighted to be running the LM2026 in aid of the charity. When I was a young barrister, I was sent to represent a very young mother in care proceedings in Chelmsford. She has been sexually abused and had herself been in care as a child. She was broken. I did my best. She was now with a sexually abusing partner and the local authority had justifiable concerns about him and the risk he posed the mother’s only child. She tried but could not break away from him. As the judge began her judgment, making a final care order, my client screamed the scream of a young child, she had regressed to her younger self and began to speak like a child… she thought the judge was making the care order over her. It was traumatic for all of us who witnessed it and desperate for her.Throughout the very, very difficult, painful trial my client had support from a local court support worker. She was at her side throughout, giving her comfort and reassurance, holding her up and keeping her calm. I know I could not have carried out my job without her and could not have been the emotional support my client needed and the barrister at the same time. I have never forgotten the case nor her kindness. That hearing affected me in many ways but most profoundly, it made me realise that to go through a court process alone is often much more than people can bare. They should never have to. The work of STC and its volunteers is vital. The protection of the most vulnerable and those without representation through an over-wielding court process is essential if the justice system is able to function. I will do my bit, I hope you feel able to do yours and support the cause with a donation however small…" Charles Hale KC