Norton Rose

Barts and The London NHS Trust is a regional centre for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in north east London and south Essex, with an average caseload of 110 children. Children with CF require intensive and exhausting physiotherapy to help clear the sticky mucus in their lungs that causes infections and ultimately lung damage. An innovative piece of equipment called ‘the Vest’ (manufactured by Hill Rom) can reduce the need for certain types of physiotherapy by dislodging mucus with high frequency chest wall oscillations. This can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

The London office of Norton Rose LLP, an international legal practice, kindly agreed to support a 15 year old with severe symptoms of CF, by committing to raise £7,000 for a Vest. The funds were underwritten by the Charity so that the Vest could be purchased and used by the patient at the start of the partnership. This meant that Norton Rose LLP could follow the patient’s progress and use this to engage employees, encouraging them to get involved in fundraising activities. The patient, a bright and determined boy, is writing personal letters to the practice to explain the impact of the Vest on his daily life.

Kate Crisp, Chair of the Staff Charity Committee at Norton Rose LLP, said: “When I heard about the Vest I immediately thought it was a great target for fundraising activities in our London office. In addition to asking partners and staff to pledge a small amount from their monthly salary, we have had dress-down days, cake sales and are planning a quiz night.”

“It is lovely to receive the letters from ‘John’ which we publish on the intranet so that people can see the benefit of their donations. Our London office is proud to support Barts and The London Charity in their work with young patients.”

A spokeswoman from Barts and The London Charity said: “We are extremely grateful to Norton Rose LLP for their support. The tangible and measurable benefits for John are a direct result of their fundraising efforts. Norton Rose LLP is a fantastic partner and we look forward to developing our relationship with them over the coming months.”