Launchpad was one of five local charities to benefit from funds raised at the annual Reading Legal Walk, which this year raised more than £12,100.
Organised by the London Legal Support Trust, the 10km walk started from Forbury Gardens and took a gentle pace alongside the rivers Kennet and Thames and back through the Thames Valley Nature Reserve.
There was a great turnout this year, and our team of staff and volunteers from Launchpad walked with supporters from legal firm Boult and Wade and members of the legal department of Neos Network in Reading.
Fiona Keyte, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who took part and for all the donations which will go towards funding access to our solicitor, Vneeta, who is based at our office part of the week and provides free legal advice to our clients.
“This service is jointly funded by Launchpad and Oxford-based law firm Turpin and Miller LLP, and supports our clients to ensure they are treated lawfully by landlords, local authorities, housing association and other agencies across Reading.
“The free legal advice service can make a huge difference to people’s lives and can often prevent people from losing their home.
“With a 42% increase in people coming for our free drop-in service, this service is needed more than ever.”
Funds from the Reading Legal Walk will also be split between Age UK and Citizens Advice in Reading, Flag DV (free legal advice group for domestic abuse victims) and Reading Refugee Support Group.
The event was sponsored by Beaufort Financial and led by Simon Muir, the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire and Her Honour Judge Emma Nott.
