At first, you could be mistaken that the walk was the line-up for Crufts 2022 as dog after dog was presented in front of me. However, it soon became apparent that the legal sector has a passion for canine companions who love to get in on the action.
Surrey Legal Sector Walk for Justice
Victoria-Jayne Scholes • May 16, 2022
Guildford Legal Walk 2022
Surrey is known for lots of things, Brooklands Museum, the University, Thorpe Park, beautiful country Walks and a quick google search shows it as one of the wealthiest areas to live in, in the UK. In 2015 Surrey was ranked number two in the UK.
However, to the thousands of people in poverty across the county, they tell a very different story. The current living crisis is not helping matters with thousands more heading towards a life of financial struggle.
Food, heating and bills is a necessity. However, for many, they feel currently, access to justice is a luxury, when in reality it is a right.
To help fight for the right to access to justice for the poorest and most vulnerable across the county, over 300 individuals from the legal sector took to the streets and countryside of Guildford on Monday 9th May 2022.
The 10km walk aptly named the Guildford Legal Walk, aims to raise funds for the South West London Law Centre who helps those most in need access legal advice on a wide range of social issues, from housing to immigration to supporting the disabled and elderly, to work issues and benefits and giving advice to those in or facing debt.
Starting out at Guildford County Court at 5:30PM the Walk was declared started by The High Sheriff of Surrey, His Honour Christopher Critchlow, by the attempted blowing of a horn. After a few false starts, the event got going.
The walk took the walkers, many in teams, up through the Surrey Hills for a beautiful sunset.
Among the walkers were judges from the Crown and County Court, Law Firms, and the CEO of the South West London Law Centre.
“Although Surrey has the reputation of being an affluent area, there are huge pockets of need in the county and the money raised from this event will help ensure people aren’t cut off from accessing legal advice because they can’t afford a solicitor.” Patrick Marples, CEO of South West London Law Centres
So far, collectively the teams have raised a substantial £13.7K of their £15k target.
The Legal Walk, run by the London Support Trust and Bob Nightingale, has grown massively over the past years. The main event, the London Legal Walk, takes place in London every year with over 10,000 legal beagles taking to the streets.
However, breakout walks started to take place and they are starting to become popular, but more than that, a lifeline to the Law Centres that rely on funding to continue operating and to the millions of individuals every year that passes through their doors.
Other Legal Walks include Oxford, Tunbridge Wells, Reading, Chichester, Eastbourne and Southampton.
The walk is not just about walking for justice, it is about coming together as a county and supporting those who need help the most. To show support and solitude at a time when the county most need it. And for the Court Staff and Judges which included Judge Raeside, Mrs Wendy Critchlow and DJ Linda Nightingale, who ‘try not to be distracted by the pubs that we pass on the way. But there will be no guarantees’.
After the pandemic, many thought that access to justice would be more in need, more individuals out of work following the collapse of companies and more individuals in debt. However, I don’t think anyone could foresee the financial struggle that is upon us, and it is now more than ever that we must show a united front.
It does not matter how much money you have in the bank, how much money you can raise for the charity, it is about the little you can do to help each other in your own unique way.
You can still help those most in need in the county. Even if you do not have the means to donate, just by sharing this post or the Donate button below to raise awareness for the amazing work that the South West Law Centre does, will be a huge help.
By sharing this post, you will also show thanks for the time and dedication that all the individuals that took part in this walk gave. Many did not have to give up their time, especially after being in the office or in court all day, but they did.
If you are interested in raising funds during this year or taking part in the Guildford Legal Walk 2023, please get in contact with me and together we can all fight for the right to Access to Justice.
Written by: Victoria-Jayne Scholes
Legally Powered Founder.
