LEGAL professionals from around the town are set to strap on their hiking boots for the return of the annual Reading Legal Walk.
Next month, lawyers and colleagues will take part in the yearly event raising funds for free legal advice agencies in Reading.
This year will be the 9th iteration of the event, which will see participants take part in a 10 kilometre walk, led by HHJ Emma Nott.
Fundraisers are aiming to beat last year’s total of more than £15,000, which goes to supporting free legal agencies such as Age UK Reading, Citizen’s Advice, FLAG DV, Launchpad, and Reading Refugee Support Group.
The route begins and terminates at Forbury Gardens, where participants will be provided with complimentary drinks by London Legal Support Trust (LLST).
The funding supports cases such as that of Steve, 57, who moved back to Reading after losing his business.
His situation led him to excessive drinking, which in turn cost him his accommodation, after which he lived on the streets for five years.
He received help from Launchpad, a charity which helps homeless people in Reading, who, through counselling and classes, helped Steve rebuild his life.
Steve now volunteers in Launchpad’s garden, and said: “If it wasn’t for Launchpad, I wouldn’t be here.”
Bob Nightingale MBE, founder of LLST, said: “We have faced many challenging years and unfortunately the struggle continues, therefore it is more crucial than ever to unite and raise funds for local advice agencies.
“The Reading Legal Walk is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together in support of access to justice while also enjoying ourselves.
“LLST remains dedicated to assisting these local advice agencies through events like this.”
He explained: “Many in our community are struggling with domestic violence, unemployment, homelessness, debt and many other issues.
“They rely on the support of free legal advice agencies to help resolve these challenges–by walking with us, you are making a tangible difference.
“You are helping to ensure that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation–together, we can transform lives and create a fairer, more just community.”
The Reading Legal Walk takes place from 2pm in Forbury Gardens on Tuesday, September 17th.
Full details about the event and how to take part are available via: londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/our-events
