I have worked for Aspire Law since January 2020.  One of the main reasons I wanted to work for them is because they are no ordinary law firm; they are the only law firm in the UK dealing exclusively with spinal cord injury claims and share 50% of their profits with Aspire. This in turn helps Aspire to support people with spinal injuries who have no claim to make for compensation. Having worked for nearly two years at Aspire Law, this really resonated with me and I wanted to do more to help those who are unable to claim, as their needs are the same.

As I was approaching my two year anniversary, I wondered what I could do to help raise awareness of this fantastic charity and the crucial services they provide.  After much deliberation I decided (with the help of my 12 year old!) to take on Aspire’s Coast to Coast challenge and walk 192 miles over 12 weeks to raise as much money as I could.  I also wanted to do something that would help with weight loss and my mental and physical health.

I hadn’t really done much walking before I started the challenge, but I really, really enjoyed it.  I did the challenge from January to March and tried to walk daily, unless the weather was extremely bad; if it was, I tended to go further on a weekend. Most days I would go out at lunch time which helped with my mental health and encouraged me to step away from my desk. On weekends I would go a little further afield which I really enjoyed as I saw places I hadn’t before, and I enjoyed being out and about, even in the cold.  I love being outside, being near water and in the open countryside. It calms me; everyday stresses disappear and I find it extremely gratifying.

It was a great way to help my physical and mental health and knowing that I was accountable to the challenge was a great motivator.

This was the first time I had done any fundraising but I found it enjoyable, even though I did struggle with how to shout about it without feeling that I was being too up in people’s faces!  I mainly asked people to sponsor me through LinkedIn, Instagram and email.

It means a lot to me that I was able to raise money to support people with Spinal Cord Injury.  Before I worked at Aspire Law, I was naïve and wouldn’t have known the amount of equipment and changes that someone needs to be able to live an independent life after an injury.

Since working at Aspire Law and dealing with clients on a daily basis who are living with a spinal cord injury, I’ve realised how difficult it can be for them to do everyday tasks which I myself take for granted. Therefore, I want to do what I can to help Aspire, especially since the pandemic, for the charity and for the people who sustained spinal injuries during this period who have not been able to access much-needed support.

Knowing the many ways in which Aspire helps, and how something small can make such a huge impact to someone with a Spinal Cord Injury I felt, and still feel, that I can, and should, do more to help.

Sponsor Leigh

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