About 70 members and friends of the legal profession and advice services in Brighton and Hove took part in a charity 10km Legal Walk this evening (Thursday 21 June).
They raised about £4,000 to support legal advice charities which are trying to deal with the consequences of legal aid cuts.
Brighton and Hove mayor Councillor Bill Randall formally started the walk outside Brighton Magistrates’ Court.
Staff at the Brighton Housing Trust (BHT) Legal Advice Centre joined solicitors, barristers, law students and Judge David Pollard.
BHT’s assistant chief executive John Holmström said: “BHT’s legal services are our most heavily relied upon services, working with over 10,000 clients last year.
“The pressure is increasing as more people face financial hardship and struggle to meet their mortgage repayments.
“It is fantastic to see people from the legal profession and beyond coming together to support others and raise much needed funds to maintain free legal advice.”
BHT adviser Danny Murphy said: “BHT’s team of walkers is larger than ever this year. The legal aid cuts are imminent and we are all acutely aware of the effects the cuts will have on our clients.
“We all feel very concerned about the future so this year’s legal sponsored walk feels quite poignant.
“It’s a chance to raise funds for our services as well as raise awareness of advice services in the city and how they are helping some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Donations can be made at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/BHTWalkTeam2012.
