Bristol Law Society and members raise over £12,000 for Charity of the Year 2024, Dogs for Good

Bristol Law Society Charity of the Year 2024, Dogs for Good, are set to benefit from the fundraising efforts of members at BLS events including the Battle of the Legal Bands and, its flagship event, the Annual Awards Dinner.

Dogs for Good has been supporting people through positive connection with
dogs since it was founded by Frances Hay, in 1988. The charity supports people
with a range of complex health and social care needs, often due to disability,
autism and dementia to help them lead happier, healthier and more independent
lives thanks to the unique support a dog can bring. The Charity came to the notice of BLS Immediate Past President Stuart Henry, in the run up to his Presidential year. A committed dog lover, he also became aware of Jemima Banks, a paralegal with Gowling WLG in Birmingham, who with the aid of Albert, her assistance dog provided by Dogs for Good, has enabled her to pursue a career in law that otherwise she would not have been able to do. Jemima and Albert were guests of honour at the Awards Dinner, where Jemima spoke so eloquently and openly about the difference Albert and the Charity has made to her life. Albert of course was the star ‘pawformer’!

The money raised on the night of the Dinner equated to the cost of training a
puppy and such was the interest generated on the evening, that all firm’s were
invited to make sealed bids to enable the winner to have the prestige of naming
the puppy. Wards Solicitors having been inspired by the Charity’s work and a
desire to support them in the future, secured the top bid and are now deciding on
a suitable name for the puppy! Regular ‘pupdates’ on the dog’s progress will be
shared with all on Bristol Law Society’s website and in newsletters.

Stuart Henry, Immediate Past President of Bristol Law Society commented: It is
great to see the response that the Bristol Legal Sector has shown in supporting
Dogs for Good this year, and raising an unbelievable amount of money, which has
mostly come directly from the contributions of individual members at events
throughout the year. My particular thanks to Wards for their generous winning bid
to name the puppy as well as all other Bristol firms who also submitted generous
bids for that prize. I’m proud to represent a sector that has made, and continues to make, such wonderful contributions to charitable causes every year and members of Bristol Law Society have come out in force across all events this year, which is reflected in the final total of £12,000’.

Jenny Pierce, Managing Partner, Wards Solicitors commented: “We first came
across Dogs for Good through the Bristol Law Society, and it’s a fantastic charity,
making a lasting and tangible difference to many people’s lives. We jumped at the
chance to name their new puppy to support their work and we can’t wait to meet
him or her. Watch this space for our name!”

Cathryn Simpson, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, Dogs for
Good, added: "We’re so grateful to Bristol Law Society and their members for their
incredible fundraising efforts. Every day we’re lucky enough to see the difference
that dogs can bring to people’s lives, helping people to find new confidence and
create positive connections and feel they have a brighter future – Jemima is a real embodiment of that. Our goal is to increase our services and help 4,000 people a year by 2028, so the great work in raising funds and awareness by Bristol Law Society over the past year is all part of helping us to achieve our ambition.”