CMS Cameron McKenna

At the beginning of 2010, Barts and The London Charity were delighted to secure a three year partnership with CMS Cameron McKenna LLP (CMS), a leading European provider of legal and tax services. CMS has committed not just financial support, but is also encouraging employees from its London offices to get involved in various volunteering opportunities.

To date, CMS has funded three exciting projects - research into the management of advanced prostate cancer, an engagement programme for paediatric patients with long-term conditions and creative therapy for elderly patients. At grass roots level, CMS had a strong presence at the Charity’s 10k run in June, with volunteers and runners contributing to the success of the day. Employees have also been volunteering at Whitechapel AM (the radio station at The Royal London Hospital), organising musical performance evenings for elderly patients and they will be helping to paint the Dental Unit at the Children’s Hospital.

One volunteering opportunity that is proving very popular involves accompanying child patients on visits to local attractions as part of the paediatric engagement programme. After her trip to the London Eye in May, four year old Olivia said: “I have never been as high up before (apart from when I was on a plane!) and I could see everything. My favourite part was seeing the Queen's ‘house’ and garden. I am going to tell everyone that I have seen where the Queen lives!”

Barney Hearnden, a Partner at CMS, has been heading up the partnership between The Charity and CMS. “We are delighted to have a chance to work with Barts and The London Charity”, said Barney. “Barts is just around the corner so it is close to our heart and a number of staff have been treated there. We are keen to make a contribution to the community and our relationship with the Charity enables us to do that through volunteering as well as financial donations. Our people have lots of ideas and enthusiasm and the Charity have been fantastic, encouraging and facilitating our efforts. It feels like a real partnership and I hope we can develop it further over the coming years.”

A spokeswoman from the Charity commented: “We are extremely grateful to CMS for their continued support. It is a pleasure getting to know so many employees from all over the firm, working together to benefit the lives of patients within the hospitals. Thank you to everyone at CMS!”