Exchange Chambers names Rooprai Spinal Trust as new charity partner

October 23, 2024

Exchange Chambers has named Rooprai Spinal Trust (RST) as its new charity partner.

RST was established in 2005, inspired by Marrianne Rooprai who was paralysed from the shoulders down after a devastating car accident in the summer of 2004.

“We are delighted to be supporting RST as our charity partner for the next two years,” explained Jonathan I’Anson, Chief Executive at Exchange Chambers.  “An entirely voluntary charity, RST sponsors individuals paralysed by spinal cord injury to access much-needed neuro-physiotherapy rehabilitation programmes.

“As a full-service barristers’ Chambers, one of our areas of specialism is complex personal injury work.  Our barristers and staff are very aware of the life-changing impact of spinal cord injury and the need to shine a light on the importance of post paralysis support.”

Andy Uttridge, co-founder of RST and Marrianne Rooprai’s partner, welcomed the new partnership with Exchange Chambers.  He said:

“I am delighted that we have been chosen after being shortlisted in the summer. We visited Exchange to give a presentation to their charity committee after being recommended to them by one of our supporters.

“Establishing partnerships like this one are not only financially beneficial, but they also help raise awareness of the work we do with those affected by spinal cord injuries. We know first-hand how life can change in a blink of an eye and it’s vital that anyone in this situation knows there is help available.”

The first fundraising event organised by Exchange Chambers for RST will be a black-tie dinner charity dinner next month in Manchester for 250 invited guests. Andy and Marrianne have been invited to talk to guests and will share a video outlining the work of the charity.

RST’s physio scholarship programme continues to expand around England and currently supports individuals to access five specialist centres in across the country.

Continued Andy:

“The support from Exchange will not only help us maintain that support but we hope it will help us expand with an additional centre in 2025. Having a growing number of trusted physio partners in different areas will make accessing physio easier for those we support.

“Exchange have been incredibly friendly and excited to work with us. We’ve invited their charity team to one of the centres we work with, The Rehab Physio, to try some of the technology and equipment available and show them how their support can really make a difference.”

Exchange Chambers, based Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, selects a new charity partner every two years.  Over the last 2 years, the set has raised nearly £55,000 for children’s cancer research charity, Friends of Rosie. As a result of Exchange’s efforts, Friends of Rosie is now funding a second year of targeted research into Proton Beam Therapy designed to treat sarcomas in children. This project is being carried out at The Christie Hospital in Manchester and will get underway in November 2024.