Pictured: Debra Kelly, Parkinson Wright Practice Manager

Charities have found it tough during 2011 which is why local solicitors, Parkinson Wright LLP has made an extra effort to try and help out. In the 2 months leading up to Christmas alone, The St Richard's Hospice 'Make a Will' month raised £10,950 of which £4,360 was donated by Parkinson Wright and the rest by other solicitors from around Worcester. A well attended Christmas Fair was held at Worcester County Cricket Club, raising £730 for Acorns Children's Hospice and Worcester Breast Unit Campaign and, topping it off, was an extra £1980 raised by Parkinson Wright for Sight Concern.

Jenny Gage, Chief Officer of Sight Concern, Worcestershire's eye health and sight loss charity, said, "We really appreciate Parkinson Wright's support.  The Will promotion had a fantastic uptake raising £1,980 to help improve the lives of people with sight loss in Worcestershire. This is part of Parkinson Wright's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of those affected by sight loss. Staff at their offices in Droitwich, Evesham and Worcester have already received specialist training, so people with sight loss can be confident their needs will be met."  

The money raised for sight concern is enough to fund two Back to Basics Cookery Courses. These are confidence building courses teaching people with sight loss how to manage in the kitchen, from measuring ingredients with talking scales to the safe use of sharp knives for chopping and cutting fruit and vegetables. It involves intensive one to one support for four participants making a dish such as vegetable curry or sausage casserole. It is part of Sight Concern's vital work supporting independent living.

Parkinson Wright's Practice Manager, Debra Kelly adds, "We are a long standing Worcestershire firm employing over 80 lawyers and support staff; and feel we and other firms like us should try and make a difference to the local charities in our area."