Legally-minded pooches were among those taking to the streets in aid of Oxford law charities.
Dozens of walkers took part in Monday’s Oxford Legal Walk, with teams from Oxford Combined Court, local solicitors’ firms and Oxford Brookes students putting their best foot forward for the 10 kilometre yomp.
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The walk aims to raise £15,000 for various charities and advice organisations, including Citizens Advice Oxford, Rose Hill and Donnington Advice Centre, Oxfordshire Welfare Rights, Shelter Thames Valley and the Agnes Smith Advice Centre.
Mandy Richards, centre manager at the Agnes Smith Advice Centre in Blackbird Leys, said the money from the fundraiser would got towards the charity’s operating costs.
“At the moment, since covid and with the cost of living crisis, we’re seeing a lot more clients than usual. We have more clients in severe financial crisis,” she said.
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The city council funds a third of the charity’s operating costs, but the centre relies on donations or grant funding for the remaining two thirds. “The fact that the legal community are prepared to put in all this effort for us is making a huge difference.”
Ursula Rice, founder of Woodstock Road-based law firm Family First Solicitors, was part of a team of fundraisers from Oxford Combined Courts. She said: “These advice agencies are picking up where Legal Aid is leaving off.”
To sponsor the walkers, visit: londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/cf/oxford-legal-walk-2022.
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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.
To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward
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