Shoosmiths, the private client arm of national law firm Shoosmiths LLP, is proud to be a corporate supporter of The Encephalitis Society and the excellent work that they do. Encephalitis is caused either by an infection invading the brain or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.
Even if successfully treated, encephalitis can cause long-term complications such as memory loss, epilepsy, behavioural and personality changes or irreversible brain injury, all of which will have an impact on the future quality of life.
Aside from promoting research and providing support to the families of those affected much of the work of The Encephalitis Society involves raising public awareness of the condition. The Encephalitis Society has published figures based on Public Health England data showing that there are 6,000 cases of encephalitis in the UK each year and even this may be an underestimate. A vital role in bringing the condition to the public’s attention is played by high profile, celebrity ambassadors.
Shoosmiths senior medical negligence experts, Denise Stephens and Phil Barnes, were delighted to add their support for the shortlisting of Mathew Bose for Celebrity Charity Champion in the Third Sector Awards at the Lancaster London on Wednesday, 14 September 2016.
Best known for his role as Paul Lambert in the TV soap Emmerdale, Mathew became involved with The Encephalitis Society after a close friend was affected by the condition in 2006. He was appointed as the Encephalitis Society’s first formal Ambassador in 2007 and has since devoted countless hours to heightening awareness of encephalitis and has been responsible for raising over £50,000 for the Society in the past 10 years.
Alastair Stewart OBE was declared Celebrity Charity Champion for his work supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace - hospices for children and young adults. Encephalitis Society CEO, Dr Ava Easton said:
‘Mathew remains a winner to us and simply being shortlisted is a celebration of his efforts and our work. Mathew has been a constant and wise counsel to the Society, opening doors for us with high-profile contacts, giving up his time to front a national BBC radio campaign or encouraging our members and staff. Mathew is a dedicated, passionate and effective Ambassador for The Society.’
Phil Barnes, national head of the firm’s medical negligence teams commented:
‘Nothing should detract from the unstinting efforts Mathew has made to help the charity give families who suffer the effects of encephalitis the life-long support and assistance they need. Shoosmiths too has an established track record of helping and working with people who have suffered a brain injury and we whole-heartedly support the work carried out by the Encephalitis Society.’
Mathew himself commented:
‘It has been very humbling to be shortlisted for a Third Sector Award alongside such fantastic nominees and causes. As anyone who has spent any time in my company will know, I am very passionate about the Encephalitis Society and its members. I have personally been supported by this wonderful charity and, ever since, have done whatever I can do to help them in return. It will never be enough and I will continue to champion them and raise awareness of a condition which is little known but can devastate lives.'
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Allan Bisset, Shoosmiths
Tel: 03700 86 6736
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.access-legal.co.uk
For a more detailed fact file on Encephalitis please see:
http://www.encephalitis.info/files/4714/3697/0510/Media_factfile_2015_v2.pdf
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
