More than 20 disabled people from Leonard Cheshire Disability’s homes at Sileby and Anstey were taken for a Christmas shopping expedition by 15 volunteers from the Leicester office of the law firm Howes Percival.
The team from Howes Percival, which included partners, solicitors and support staff, treated the physically disabled service users of Leonard Cheshire to an evening of Christmas shopping at Fosse Park, followed by a fish and chip supper.
It was the third year running for the annual visit, which helps Leonard Cheshire Disability’s residents, who use wheelchairs, to buy surprise presents for their family and friends. And Howes Percival gave the shoppers a £10 voucher each to spend on an early Christmas present for themselves.
The volunteers from Howes Percival teamed up with 23 Leonard Cheshire residents to hit the shops after a welcoming cup of tea or coffee and biscuits courtesy of the Fosse Park outlet of Le Petit Four.
Claire McLeod, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “It was a brilliant trip, one of our most successful all year. Everyone from Leonard Cheshire Disability had a fantastic time. There was a lot of shopping done and old friendships renewed and new friends made. The help given is really appreciated, as is the genuine interest shown in turning the Christmas shopping lists into piles of presents to be given. ”
Howes Percival solicitor Michael Briggs said: “This is the third year in a row that I have organised the Christmas shopping trip for Leonard Cheshire Disability. It is always a fantastic event and one that my colleagues and I thoroughly enjoy taking part in. Over the three years we have been able to build and maintain great relationships with the residents and carers at Leonard Cheshire Disability and I look forward to this continuing in the future. This event really is the start of the Christmas season for me.”