Fundraising Events

We are always eager to hear from individuals and organisations that are keen to host fundraising events from Pub Quizzes to Marathons, and everything in between. If you would like to hold an event on behalf of FRU please contact us on admin@thefru.org.uk.

Get Involved or Sponsor

This year FRU has entered a number of fundraising and sporting events.  We are currently looking for participants for the London Marathon and Ride London Essex 100 as well as people to join our London Legal Walk team and Walk the Thames team.  If you are interested in taking part in any of these events for FRU or know someone who would be then please contact us on admin@thefru.org.uk.

We are also seeking sponsorship of our participants in these events.  Please see below for further details and the donation pages. 

 

Fundraising Events 2024

London Marathon 2024

This years London Marathon is taking place on Sunday 21st April.  We have entered a team to run on behalf of FRU; Rob Sharpe, Steve Sharpe, Felix Hasted, Natalie Stacey, Rory Gardner and Rosie Morgan.  We hope that they will have your support as they take on this exciting challenge for FRU's 50th Birthday.  They will be raising much needed funding for FRU so please help encourage and support our runners.  Information about our team and their donation pages are below:

Rob Sharpe

I am delighted to be running the London Marathon (for the first time!) in support of the FRU.  As a lawyer myself I have worked in the past at a legal advice centre offering support to clients who can't access legal aid or afford to instruct a lawyer.  If it weren't for organisations such as the FRU, those clients would "fall through the cracks", and so the work the FRU carries on to ensure they are effectively represented is vital.  If you can, then please consider donating to this very worthy cause.

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rob-sharpe

 

Felix Hasted

I am very excited to be running my first marathon on behalf of FRU. Having heard about the amazing work the organisation does from a close friend involved in the charity, I feel very privileged to be on the journey to running the London Marathon and raising money going to such a great cause. All donations are deeply appreciated for this amazing charity.

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/felix-hasted

 

 

Rosie Morgan

I will be marking my debut marathon for FRU, where I aim to raise awareness and vital funds for this remarkable charity who provide legal representation to those who otherwise would be unable to afford it. As the cost of living crisis continues to disrupt people's lives and families, your contributions will support individuals in employment and social security tribunals, offering them a chance to receive the legal support they desperately need, regardless of their financial circumstances. Please donate what you can, thank you!

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rosie-morgan

 

Steve Sharpe

I last ran the London Marathon 26 years ago, so this will be a real test for me as I will be 68 years when I start the 26 miles. I have applied many times over the years and been turned down, so this will be a great pleasure to compete this year. Please help with my fundraising and many thanks for your support.

The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.  Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer. What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world.

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steve-sharpe

 

Natalie Stacey

I am delighted to be running the London marathon for Free Representation Unit.

FRU has a team of volunteer lawyers that provide important legal support for people regardless of their financial situation. It is an important organization in the UK and they have helped many people. FRU also provides newly qualified lawyers with the opportunity to apply their skills and help people.

This will be my first London marathon. It has always been a dream of mine to run and so I'm so happy to be doing it on behalf of FRU.

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/natalie-stacey

 

Kate Fabray

I am thrilled to be running the London Marathon in support of the Free Representation Unit this year.

I ran the marathon last year and saw first-hand what a difference it can make for a charity, and I hope I will be able to support the FRU and the work the unit is doing in however small and humble capacity.

The FRU trains volunteer law students and legal professionals in the early stages of their career in the skills required to give confident and competent support for the rights of others. The work the FRU does for those who otherwise would not be able to access a legal advice cannot be overestimated, but it needs funding to function and be available.

The London Marathon is such a monumental annual event, bringing millions of people together and celebrating grit, hard work and breaking limits right and left - there is truly no better way to shine a light on a worthy cause!

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/kate-voznjuk

Rory Gardner

I am very excited to be running the 2024 London Marathon for the Free Representation Unit. The FRU have provided much-needed legal services for over 50 years and I feel proud to be able to support them in continuing their work. I have completed various running events before but this is my first marathon; I am well into the training plan now and am very excited for the big day!

https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rory-gardner

Past Fundraising Events

 

 

FRU 50th Anniversary Celebration Event

We are delighted to be celebrating our 50th anniversary with a high-profile event on 8 November. The event will feature a speech by senior judge Lord Justice Underhill, Vice-President of the Court of Appeal (Civil Division) and FRU Patron The Secret Barrister.

The celebration is being hosted by FRU supporters 39 Essex Chambers at 6.00 on 8 November. It will also feature some of the people who, as student lawyers in 1972, founded FRU.

FRU Chief Executive David Abbott said "This is a fantastic way to complete our year of celebrations. The event will raise much needed funds to help us to secure our future for the next 50 years.

We are very grateful to Lord Justice Underhill, The Secret Barrister and our founding members for helping us to mark the contribution that FRU has made to the justice system over the last 50 years.

It would be fantastic if our supporters could join us at 39 Essex Chambers to tell us their memories of volunteering or referring cases to FRU".

Tickets are available to attend the event in person or online. The in-person event will feature a drinks and canope reception. Full details are available at these links:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/frus-50th-celebration-tickets-72749848655...

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-ticket-frus-50th-celebration-tick...

Speaker profile - Lord Justice Underhill:

We are thrilled to introduce our distinguished keynote speaker for the upcoming milestone event: Lord Justice Underhill!

With an illustrious career spanning both the employment and commercial bar, Lord Justice Underhill has continued to shine in his judicial roles.
• President of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (2009-2011)
• Lord Justice of Appeal (since 2013)
• Current Vice-President of the Court of Appeal (Civil Division)
His commitment to the legal profession goes beyond the courtroom. From 2002 to 2005, he served as President of the Bar Pro Bono Unit (now Advocate).

His unique perspective makes him the perfect choice to address the current landscape of the civil justice system and the invaluable role of pro bono work within it.

The Secret Barrister

The Secret Barrister is a figure who needs little introduction. Author, blogger and incognito junior criminal practitioner: in 2018, ‘SB’ published their first best-selling account of the frailties of the English and Welsh criminal justice system. The book, in its 24 weeks as Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller, imparted to a wider audience the impact of chronic underfunding in the English and Welsh justice system. Similarly, their tireless efforts to highlight the unfairness of limited legal aid provisions, has penetrated public perceptions like little else. More importantly (maybe) the TSB is also a proud patron of FRU.

In their own words: Where an individual cannot afford representation “The result is that often people are forced into a Sophie’s choice between representing themselves in complex legal proceedings, or simply not even trying. To lean on my favourite healthcare analogy, they are invited either to operate on themselves or just accept that they won’t get treatment… for those with nowhere else to turn, pro bono units provide the safety net where the state would let people fall.”

FRU are proud to provide a safety net to litigants in the Social Security and Employment Tribunals, while preparing future lawyers for life in practice.

This is why we are so pleased to announce that the Secret Barrister will be talking on the topic of ‘Access to Justice’ at our upcoming 50th Birthday.

 

 

London Marathon 2023

 

 This years London Marathon is taking place on Sunday 23rd April.  We have entered a team to run on behalf of FRU; Fermin Illana, Javi Gato, Jose Luis Calvo de Miguel, Rad Kohanzad and Claire McLauchlan.  We hope that they will have your support as they take on this exciting challenge for FRU's 50th Birthday.  They will be raising much needed funding for FRU so please help encourage and support our runners.  Information about our team and their donation pages are below:

Fermin Illana 

I have a great friend who has done amazing work with the FRU. They provide important legal support to people regardless of their financial situation. It's clear that everyone should have access to legal support. This will be my first London marathon. It has always been a dream of mine to run this great event and so I'm so honoured to be doing so on behalf of FRU.

Please give as much as you can for this great charity.

https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/fermin-illana

Javi Gato

Delighted to be running the London marathon for FRU. After the crazy last years we have have all lived it just highlights just how important charities have become in our society. FRU does such great work, helping so many people in need, that I jumped at the opportunity to help raise money and awareness for an invaluable charity. Please donate as much as you can!!!

https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/javi-gato

Jose Luis Calvo de Miguel

FRU does an amazing job to provide legal support to those who can't afford it. I am grateful for what FRU does and this is why I will be running the London Marathon to help raise awareness about FRU. Please consider donating funds for FRU's cause.

https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jose-luis-calvo-de-miguel

 

Rad Kohanzad

https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rad-rad

Claire McLauchlan

Unfortunately, Claire has sustained an injury which means she is unable to take part this year.  We are hopeful that she will be able to run for FRU next year and wish her a speedy recovery.

https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/claire-mclauchlan

Ride London 2023

Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 will take place on Sunday 28 May 2023 and is ideal for those seeking a tough but achievable challenge.

We have FRU riders taking part in the event and hope you will support them by making a donation.  

Why not join our 50 for 50 campaign. Donating 50p per mile will mean that you will donate £50 for FRU’s 50th Birthday.

Jose Almeida

Jose is riding his single speed bike for 100 plus miles in support of FRU.

https://2023ridelondon.enthuse.com/pf/jose-alme

Holly Stout

https://2023ridelondon.enthuse.com/pf/holly-stout

The spectacular event will see cyclists set off from Victoria Embankment in central London, head past the Olympic Park and through the London boroughs of Westminster, City of London, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Redbridge before coursing into Essex via Epping Forest.

Riders will then glide through some of the county’s most picturesque towns, villages and countryside – including Epping, Ongar, Great Dunmow, Felsted and Writtle – with a section of the route replicating the 2014 Tour de France stage that went through Essex and finished in London.

Once back in the capital, participants will complete their ride to rapturous applause at Tower Bridge – a jaw-dropping Finish Line for the 100-mile challenge.

Ride London 2022

 

We are extremely grateful to this years' rider, Jose Almeida, who had five weeks’ notice and rode his single speed bike for 100 plus miles in support of FRU. 

Jose completed the challenge in 6hrs 49 mins. We would like to give a huge thank you to Jose for his hard work and dedication.

You still have time to make a contribution to congratulate Jose on his achievement and to make a difference to FRU.  

 

RideLondon-Essex 100 challenge is a unique opportunity to ride 100 miles on traffic-free roads through the heart of London and neighbouring Essex.

 

 

London Marathon 2022

This years London Marathon is taking place on Sunday 2nd October.  We have entered a team of five to run on behalf of FRU; John Mehrzad QC, Rad Kohanzad, Holly Stout, Ashton Squires and Jonny Castle.  We hope that they will have your support as they take on this exciting challenge for FRU's 50th Birthday.  They will be raising much needed funding for FRU so please help encourage and support our runners.  Information about our team and their donation pages are below:

John Mehrzad QC

John Mehrzad QC practises at Littleton Chambers in the Temple, specialising in employment, commercial and sports law disputes.  He has been a member of FRU since 2004 when he was at Bar School and has been a supporter ever since.  This October’s London Marathon will be his 7th marathon, he is only one step away from completing the World Marathon Majors. He hopes to run it as quickly as possible, even threatening his sub-3 hour personal best.

https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/john-mehrzad

 

 

Ashton Squires 

I was introduced to FRU by a friend who works there and was in awe hearing about the fantastic work they do to help those that can’t obtain legal support. I’m very excited to be running my first marathon in aid of FRU to help support the incredible work they do! …a marathon?! Typing that out makes it seem very real. I’ve been known to start sweating opening the fridge. Bring it on!

Please donate all you can for this amazing organisation!

https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ashton-squires

Jonny Castle

I heard about the amazing work done by FRU by a friend who works there, providing legal support to people regardless of their financial situation. It's clear that everyone should have access to legal support whenever they need it so I am thrilled to be running the London marathon to raise funds for this great cause. This will be my first marathon so getting over the finish line is my main goal. This distant idea is very much becoming a reality now so 'excited' is a strong word but I'm definitely up for the challenge! 

Please be as generous as you can and give your support to FRU

https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jonny-castle-c5195

Holly Stout, Employment Judge

As a trainee barrister I did my first cases for FRU and saw for myself how important the advice and support that FRU provides can be. Legal aid is not available for employment or social security cases, although many individuals who find themselves needing to make a claim or appeal cannot afford representation and are ill-equipped to navigate what are often complex legal proceedings. Now as a judge, it is clear to me that support from organisations such as FRU is still very much needed and that it can make a significant contribution to the efficient administration of justice as well as being of benefit to the individuals themselves.

I am therefore delighted to be attempting my first marathon for FRU. Last year I ran my first half marathon, and was still (just about) able to walk the next day, so the full distance naturally seemed to be the appropriate next challenge, but it is still a very daunting prospect.

Please be generous in your support for FRU.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/holly-stout1

 

 

 

 

 

London Legal Walk 2022; Will you join us?

 

We are looking for volunteers to join us in walking to fundraise for FRU.

FRU has been walking on the London Legal Walk since it started. The London Legal Walk is a 10km "after work" walk around central London and we're proud to be walking for the 18th time!  It is a great opportunity to get to know members of the team and raise money for FRU.  As an added bonus it also forms a great networking opportunity.

If you are unable to join the FRU walkers, please consider assisting us with marshalling the event. We understand that lots of you have busy schedules but any time you are able to give would be very welcome.

Send an email to admin@thefru.org.uk if you would like to join our team or help us with the event.

Please share the link to our donation page with your friends and colleagues so we can raise as much as possible: https://londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/pf/free-representation-unit

More information about the walk can be found here.

 

Vitality 10K London

The Vitality London 10,000 is London's most inspiring 10K race and features a spectacular route in the heart of the capital, starting on The Mall and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.

On Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2022, Jessica Brittain will be running the Vitality 10K.  We are taking part in a number of fundraising events to mark FRU's 50th Birthday this year and this is the first of those events.  We wish Jess the best of luck on Monday.  Good Luck!

If you would like to make a donation to Jess please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fru/donate.


 

Walk the Thames for FRU 2021; Will you join us?

 

 

On Saturday 22nd May FRU will be taking part in Walk the Thames.  We would love to beat previous years efforts and have as many walkers as possible join our team and to help raise funds for FRU.

Walk the Thames is a half marathon or full marathon event which you can walk, run or cycle.  It is a great opportunity to have a pleasant (but still challenging) walk along the banks of the Thames.  More information about the event can be found here.

If you would like to join the FRU team, please send an email noting your interest and telling us if you are joining us for the half or full marathon and if you are going to walk, run or cycle.  We will send further information to walkers once they have registered with us.  Friends and family are also welcome to join the team.

If you are unable to take part in the walk, please consider donating to our teams efforts.  FRU's online donation page can be found here.

We do hope that you can join us.

 

 


Prudential Ride London 2019

Thanks to our four cyclists for taking part in Ride London on 4 August. Our team consisted of Anne Fairpo, Tony Almeida, Jack Gilliland and Amrit Bachu.

Together they rode 400 miles to raise funds for FRU.  Over £650 was raised from the event.

Our thanks go to each of them for giving their time and effort to support our service and to everyone who made a donation.

London Marathon 2021

 

On Sunday 3rd October Imogen Leipnik, Ewan Smith, Charles Hale QC and Sam Taverner joined thousands of runners taking part in the London Marathon in order to raise funds for FRU.

Well done to the team who all completed the course in an amazing time and raised much needed funding for FRU.  We would like to give a huge thank you to you all for your hard work and dedication.  We would also like to thank all those who made a donation to our Team. 

London Legal Walk 2021

FRU staff and volunteers joined thousands of walkers for the London Legal Support Trust's annual 'London Legal Walk' to raise money for free legal advice.

Well done to all the members of the FRU team who raised a fantastic amount for FRU!  We would like to give a huge thank you to our team and all those who donated.

 

On the FRU team were:  Imogen Leipnik, David Abbott, Michael Reed, Robin Robison, Cherelle Byron.