It has been an eventful couple of weeks here at the Midland Legal Support Trust, especially now that Legal Walk season is in full swing!! We’ve had great fun traveling across the Midlands and meeting all the fabulous walkers who are fundraising for a great cause. So far we have had an excellent turn out at the events in Northampton, Birmingham and most recently Nottingham. All together over 553 people have come out after work to walk 10k in their city, rain or shine, to help raise funds for legal advice centers. Amazing stuff!

We want to say a huge Thank you to all of you who have got involved so far. And not forgetting our brilliant sponsors and lead walkers all of whom have simply been incredible in helping make these events a success!

Our next stop for the MLST will be Leicester on the 19th June. We are thrilled to be visiting Leicester and look forward to meeting more walkers and raising funds which will be used to help individuals who would otherwise be unable to access vital legal advice.

12 May 2017
 
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For Immediate Release
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Northampton Legal Walk
3rd sponsored Northampton Legal Walk raises over £2,500 for free local legal help
 
On Monday 24 May, just under 90 lawyers, advisors and other legal professionals joined forces for a sponsored walk along the River Nene to raise over £2,500 to support free legal advice in Northampton and throughout the Midlands.
 
Under the banner ‘Supporting access to justice in the Midlands’ 11 teams of walkers from law firms, barristers' chambers as well as the voluntary and advice sector came together to raise funds for the Midland Legal Support Trust (MLST) and other local free legal advice charities. Walkers were joined by Rupert Fordham, High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Clare Colacicchi, Senior Partner - Hewitsons​, Ika Castka, President of Northamptonshire Law Society, His Honour Judge Mayo, His Honour Judge Handley, District Judge Lynch, His Honour Judge Fowler, His Honour Judge Timothy Smith, and His Honour Mr Justice Keehan.
The 10km route meandered along the river and through the town’s sights, giving many walkers the chance to see a new side of the town. The weather was fine and breezy; a perfect spring day to stride out and raise money for a vital cause.
 
Walkers taking part fundraised for the cause by seeking sponsorship. The event was also supported by Hewitsons who sponsored the finishing line reception at their office in Billing Road, which was gratefully received by thirsty walkers.
 
Alongside some well-deserved refreshments walkers were welcomed back by the lead walkers who spoke about the growing importance of continuing free legal advice and support for the sector and the vulnerable individuals who rely on such services.
 
The event is run by the Midland Legal Support Trust (MLST). The MLST was formed in 2010 to raise and distribute funds to support the provision of free legal advice in Northampton and throughout the Midlands to those who otherwise would not be able to afford it. It is part of a network of Legal Support Trusts, working with the Access to Justice Foundation, to facilitate the access to specialist legal advice for the poorest and most vulnerable people in the community.
 
The organisations supported by the event make a huge difference in the lives of many people. The recent cuts to civil legal aid have not only affected the legal profession, but have also drastically impacted the services provided to members of the public.
 
Cuts to legal aid and local government funding of advice services means charities such as these are fighting to survive. Some organisations have merged, meaning already tight resources are being stretched over greater distances. Other organisations have ceased to provide services altogether.
 
A representative from the MLST said “The Northampton Legal Walk is a fantastic and fun way to raise awareness and funds for free legal advice charities in our region. Cuts to legal aid affect the poorest hardest and we strongly believe that everyone should have access to legal advice when they need it.
“We are thrilled that so many people took part in the walk and supported this important cause.“
 
More information about the MLST and Northampton Legal Walk, including all the pictures from the event can be found on the MLST website at http://mlst.weebly.com/northampton-legal-walk.htmlnorwich-legal-walk.
You can find the event on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/ELSTFB) or by using the hashtag #legalwalk, you can also follow the Trust on Twitter @MidlandLST.
 
ENDS
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• The Midland Legal Support Trust (the Trust) is part of a nationwide group of 8 other Regional Legal Support Trusts set up under the guidance of the Access to Justice Foundation across England and Wales to support the provision of pro bono legal advice through grants, fund raising and other help.
• The Northampton Legal Walk is a sponsored event which engages the local legal profession, advice sector and public in promoting access to justice. More information can be found at http://mlst.weebly.com/northampton-legal-walk.html
• For more information about the Access to Justice Foundation see its website at http://www.atjf.org.uk/ or contact Laura Cassidy by email lauracassidy@atjf.org.uk or phone 020 7092 3973.
• For more information about the Midland Legal Support Trust see its website at http://mlst.weebly.com/northampton-legal-walk.html or contact the Trust by email enquiries@mlst.org.uk.