On Monday 2 December, a team of Santa solicitors undertook a charity fun walk through Birmingham city centre, raising festive funds for national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.
Colleagues from the Birmingham office of Irwin Mitchell swapped suits for Santa hats and (optional!) fancy dress on the day, with all proceeds going to PAPYRUS, dedicated to preventing young suicide.
PAPYRUS was chosen by the Birmingham office as its 2019 Charity of the Year as part of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF), an independent charity founded in 1997 which has now raised more than £2 million for charities in the UK and abroad.
PAPYRUS (Parents’ Association for the Prevention of Young Suicide) was founded in 1997 by Lancashire mum Jean Kerr, following the loss of her son to suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of people under 35 in the UK and thousands more contemplate it. PAPYRUS aims to confront the issue, by shattering the stigma surrounding suicide and equipping young people and communities with skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
Liam Durkan, PAPYRUS Corporate Fundraising Officer, said: “We are grateful for all Irwin Mitchell’s fundraising on our behalf this year and can’t wait to see the final total. Our work is vital, particularly when working with vulnerable young people at Christmas. All the money we raise goes directly to improving young lives and ensuring fewer families are touched by suicide.”
Jenna Harris, a Senior Associate lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “A Santa walk seemed a great way to get into the festive fundraising spirit and make our final push for our 2019 Charity of the Year.
Unfortunately, the festive season can be a very lonely time for some, which in turn, sadly can lead to suicide. We have been working with PAPYRUS this year to raise awareness of the issue of mental health and Christmas is an important time to repeat the message.
In undertaking this walk, we are hoping to raise money, while also reminding people there is help out there for those who need it. We are proud to be playing our part in helping to ensure more families stay together and have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.”
