Fishers Solicitors has announced its chosen charities for 2024-25 - after raising more than £7,000 last year.

Love4Life, Tommy's and MSA Trust will all be supported by the Ashby-based law firm.

Last year, Fishers raised £7,313.33 for the YMCA Burton and MSA.

YMCA Burton and District provides a range of services including: Food parcels via their foodbank; Support for the homeless including accommodation and one-to-one support; An in-house family mediator to work with families, particularly those with young people. 

The MSA Trust supports people who have been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. 

They have specialist nurses who support individuals and carers in managing the systems. They also run support groups on Zoom. 

Due to the rarity of the condition, they are the only organisation providing support for this degenerative disease in the UK. 

Fishers staff raised the money in a variety of ways.

The MSA walk from London to Rome, and the YMCA sleepout raised £1,263.70 and £745 respectively. The tuck shops have raised £1,698.80.

The Powerball brought in a further £342.50 while there were also donations from Sparkle Diva, the Christmas Fair, raffles, cake sales, and more which, together with client donations brought the total up to £7,313.33.

Love4Life is a local charity supporting vulnerable young people who identify as girls aged 11-18. 

Their aim is to develop self-esteem, build confidence and form positive relationships. 

The young people receive support for a range of issues; they may be victims of bullying, have mental health struggles, or have issues at home. 

Their services include: One-to-one support for those needing targeted support; Groups sessions offering fun, creative activities and group discussions as a means to explore important topics; Sex education workshops in schools. 

The team is made up of just 15 people who cover Leicestershire, Leicester and Derby City. Although they have an office base, their support is carried out in school and at community venues.

Tommy's is a national charity supporting the entire pregnancy process with research and resources. 

They fund research into why pregnancy goes wrong; provide expert midwife -led services for parents who are working towards a safe pregnancy; and have a community supporting those who have lost babies. 

With 1 in 4 pregnancies ending in loss during pregnancy or birth, the charity's aim is to stop the heartbreak and devastation and to make pregnancy and birth safe for everyone.

Fishers is planning various events throughout the year, one of which will be abseiling in the Peak District.