Supporting the Isle of Wight community during COVID-19

The past year has been challenging for everyone. As the COVID-19 lockdown continues to impact the vulnerable, Novum Law continues to support charities and good causes to make life easier for those living in our communities.

Lisa Hendy, a Paralegal from our Isle of Wight office, has been working exceptionally hard during this time to support local people and their families.

Here is a flavour of just some of the fundraising activities Lisa has participated in to support charities since March 2020:

• Walk the Wight your Way

Lisa and her colleague Susan Hotchin take part in the 26-mile ‘Walk the Wight’ challenge every year to raise money for the Island’s  Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Due to coronavirus, event organisers had to change the 2020 challenge to ‘Walk the Wight Your Way’. However, they still took part, clocking up the marathon distance themselves by foot and a treadmill.

• Daisy Chains IW

Daisy Chains IW is a charity focused on helping local children with disabilities, long-term health needs, and life-limiting conditions. It is a charity that is close to our hearts at Novum Law. Lisa has been involved in several initiatives to support vulnerable children and their families on the Island. These include:

1. Coordinating our £350 donation towards essential care packages for families struggling financially due to the lockdown
2. Despite the cancellation of the Daisy Chains IW Easter egg hunt due to COVID-19 restrictions, we supplied a large selection of chocolate Easter eggs for all the Daisy Chains families.
3. Keeping with the chocolate theme, we also provided boxes of chocolate biscuits for Daisy Chains families over the Christmas period.

• The Wight Brainy Bunch

Novum Law was delighted to sponsor the Ryde School Trinity Arms virtual pub quiz with all profits going to the Wight Brainy Bunch.

Lisa co-ordinated delivery of chocolate Easter eggs for the families of the Wight Brainy Bunch.

The annual Mince Pie Marathon organised by Brightbulb Design saw Novum Law go straight into the top five of sponsors with an order of 300 mince pies which were donated to Smile4Wessex.  This event raised over £6,000 for the Wight Brainy Bunch.

• Wessex Cancer Trust

We were delighted to support Wessex Cancer Trust’s Jolly Jumper Day to raise money and have some festive fun.  Lisa and her colleagues joined in virtually. She also attended the Wessex Cancer Trust Christmas movie drive-in event in December 2020, where we hear the Bailey’s Hot Chocolate was a particular highlight!

• Jigsaw Family Support

Lisa saw a plea for help for Island families through Jigsaw Family Support. She rallied her colleagues and her partner to donate money and make up 10 bags of essentials for those in the community who needed extra support.

• St Catherine’s School

Michaela White at St. Catherine’s School in Ventnor, Isle of Wight organised a fundraising raffle for the school. Lisa helped coordinate our support, handing over a hamper and bubbly bottle for lucky raffle winners.

• Age UK

Lisa donated to Age UK’s ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ campaign which helps spread Christmas cheer among older people in the community by ensuring they receive a gift during the lead up to the festive season. She also recently volunteered to phone an older person who is feeling lonely once a week.

Darren O’Sullivan, Director of Novum Law who heads up the Isle of Wight office, said:

“We are proud members of the Isle of Wight community. We are always delighted to get involved as much as we can to help and support those who are vulnerable and need extra assistance – particularly during these challenging times with COVID-19.

“Lisa is doing a fabulous job coordinating our charitable initiatives and making sure we don’t miss opportunities to lend our support wherever we can to make a positive difference in our community.”