Andrew's story

Andrew Burgess will be running the AJ Bell Bristol Half Marathon to raise money via The Danny Butcher Foundation for the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition as a grant to help targets of SLAPP cases.

Free speech should never be a luxury reserved for the wealthy or legally represented. Yet across the UK, ordinary people who speak out in the public interest are increasingly met with defamation threats, aggressive legal letters, and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These tactics are designed not to win on merit, but to intimidate, exhaust, and silence.

The Danny Butcher Foundation was created in memory of a man who believed deeply in fairness, truth, and the right to speak openly. Every trustee of the Foundation has personally faced legal threats aimed at shutting down their own free expression. We know how isolating, frightening, and financially overwhelming these situations can be. That’s why we’re stepping up to help others who now find themselves in the same position.

What This Fund Will Support

Every penny raised through this campaign will go directly towards helping Litigants in Person who are being silenced or intimidated through defamation threats and SLAPP actions. Funds will be used to help individuals access expert guidance and support through the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition, which has been leading the campaign to defend free expression from abusive legal threats.

This support can make the difference between someone being forced into silence—or being able to stand their ground.

Why the Coalition Matters

SLAPPs are a threat to free speech, human rights and democracy. They can be used by a wide range of powerful and wealthy individuals to target anyone speaking out, expressing themselves or sharing their own experiences.

The coalition has monitored legal threats aimed at sexual abuse survivors, journalists, victims of fraud, online reviewers, former patients, academics, members of community groups, local campaigners and anyone who chooses to express themselves online.

While we cannot list specific cases, the pattern is clear: people are being threatened into silence, and many cannot afford to defend themselves.

While there are no universal protections against SLAPPs yet, the coalition is working to make the case to the Government, Parliament and legal profession.

Why Your Support Matters

SLAPP targets often face:

- Overwhelming legal costs

- Complex procedures they must navigate alone

- Psychological pressure designed to force retraction or silence

- A power imbalance that favours those with deep pockets

Your donation helps level the playing field. It ensures that people who speak up in good faith are not left to face intimidation alone.

In Danny’s Memory

Danny believed in standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. This fund honours that spirit by helping others who are being targeted simply for using their voice.

If you believe in fairness, transparency, and the right to speak without fear, please consider supporting this campaign. Together, we can protect free expression and ensure that no one is silenced simply because they cannot afford to defend themselves.

Note: The money raised here will be donated to Index on Censorship, which is a co-founder and co-chair of the coalition, who will use to the donations as part of the coalition’s campaigns