A medical negligence and personal injury firm has launched a charitable foundation to support those who suffer life-changing injuries or trauma but cannot make a legal claim. 

Fletchers Group launched Fletchers Foundation this week, which will award grants to individuals with life-changing injuries or trauma caused as a result of a serious accident, clinical negligence or illness - but are unable to pursue a legal resolution. 

Chief legal officer Adrian Denson said the ‘inability to provide real help’ to those who may not have a claim was a 'regret' but the foundation would help answer that discrepancy. 

It is hoped that the financial grants awarded by the foundation will help cover a range of costs including physical and psychological rehabilitiation and therapy; wheelchairs, exercise equipment and other such aids; activities and breaks; and home and vehicle adaptations. 

Fletchers Foundation

Fletchers Foundation members and trustees

Debbie Fairhurst (3rd from left) received the foundation’s first grant

The foundation will be run by director Reece Hobson Adams while the board of trustees will include Denson, neurosurgeon professor Paul May; Frenkel Topping’s group CEO Richard Fraser; and businesswoman and the first black female inspector in the history of the Merseyside Police force, Irene Afful. 

Denson said: 'This is a career highlight for me. I have spent my life as a solicitor helping seriously injured people who have recourse to a legal claim against an insurer, employer, hospital or government agency. The inability to provide real help to people who may not have a claim has always been a regret, but now through the foundation we can do just that, and that made me incredibly happy and proud.'

He told the Gazette the foundation will focus on awarding grants that will help pay for what 'we hope can demonstrate at least some lasting benefit' to the individual.

Hobson-Adams added: 'I am humbled by the fantastic support we’ve recieved so far. Fletchers Foundation is about supporting people at the time they need it most. We hope that the support they recieve from us will help them in some way to navigate life’s challenges and thrive.'

The first grant was awarded to Debbie Fairhurst during the foundation’s launch event. She and her husband Paul recieved £2,000 to help with home adaptations. 

Fundraising and regular and ad-hoc donations will all help fund the foundation's grants.