Walking for Justice: The Oxford Legal Walk 2025

Last night, under a beautifully warm Oxfordshire sky, around a hundred of us gathered for the Oxford Legal Walk – a fundraising event in support of free legal advice services across the county. It was a lovely reminder of how many people care deeply about access to justice, and the walk itself was a real pleasure.

I was especially pleased that the Oxfordshire Shrieval team was out in such good force. Alongside me were Mark, Anne, Shaun, Isabella, and Sofia – plus a very welcome addition in Isabella’s mum, Vicky. We were also joined by James Macnamara, last year’s High Sheriff and now the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the County – a continuing source of wise support and good company.

The route took us on a gentle but meaningful circuit: through Christ Church Meadow, across Magdalen Bridge, and down the Iffley Road – not far from where Roger Bannister famously broke the four-minute mile. We crossed the water at Iffley Lock and made our way back along the Thames Path, heading to Donnington Bridge, then on to the Abingdon Road, and finally to our finishing point at South Oxford Adventure Playground.

There, we were greeted with a well-earned drink, cheerful company, and the comforting sense of having done something small but important for a vital cause.

My thanks to the organisers and volunteers – and to everyone who walked with us. It was, in every sense, a good evening.