Gateley contributes thousands towards life saving cancer equipment

THE Birmingham office of law firm Gateley has raised a total of £5,407 towards the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Cancer Appeal following a year of fundraising activity for the charity. 

Solicitor John Quentin led Gateley’s fundraising with a Diamond Jubilee themed party followed by doughnut sales, competitive sweepstakes for the Olympics and the Grand National, sausage sandwich breakfast sales and charity dress down days. In addition, a number of staff participated in the Rotary Shakespeare Half Marathon and Birmingham Half Marathon to raise cash.

Staff at the firm chose the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Cancer Appeal as their local charity for the last financial year because of the vital service that it provides to those affected by cancer.

With a target of £6.5 m, the appeal aims to raise funds for some of the world’s most advanced cancer treatment machines that will help treat many more cancer patients and make the hospital a world leader for cancer treatment and trials.

Ruth Armstrong, partner in Gateley’s Birmingham office and head of the firm’s CSR committee, said: “Our aim was to organise a variety of events that all staff could participate in and enjoy. We are delighted that with the amount of money raised over the past year we are able to make a difference to the QE Cancer Appeal.”

Thriller at the Villa raises £31,000 for Marie Curie

BOXING fans from Birmingham and beyond flocked to the Aston Villa Banqueting Centre for the No5 Chambers’ Ralph Lewis QC Memorial Cup 2013. 

The exciting eight-bout event, which was compered by former professional boxer Steve Holdsworth, raised £31,000 for the Marie Curie hospice charity.

Barristers, clerks and people from local businesses had thrown their hats in to the ring early in 2013 to begin a gruelling training regime at the Fighting Fit City Gym in Lionel Street. Their common objective was to get into the shape of their lives in an attempt to win their respective bouts and the glittering prize of the Ralph Lewis QC Memorial Cup.

Tony McDaid, No5 Chambers’ practice director, said: “My respect and thanks must be given to all those who trained so hard during 2013, particularly those who put on their gloves at Aston Villa.  I should also thank the team who ran the boxing boot camp at the Fighting City Gym, which has strict procedures in place to provide a controlled and managed environment for the fighters.” 

Lodders lawyers appointed Dementia Friends Champions

TWO Henley-in-Arden lawyers are looking to offer help and support to people with dementia.

Helen Rowett and Emma Vaqueiro, who work for Lodders Solicitors, both specialise in work with the elderly.

Now they have trained to become Dementia Friends Champions. Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative and is funded by the Cabinet Office and Department of Health.

The scheme, which was launched in April, recognises that those with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community.

Lodders partner Mrs Rowett said: “By training to become Dementia Friends Champions we are committed to spreading awareness of the illness, of the early signs and of the help and support which is available for people with dementia, their families and carers.”