Sunday’s 37th Two Castles Run took place in ideal conditions for competitors with the temperatures cool.

The race, organised by Kenilworth Rotary Club and Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club, and sponsored by Blythe Liggins, had a full entry of 4,000 and again provided Kenilworth with its biggest annual sporting spectacle; living up to its well-established reputation as one of the best 10k runs in the country and raised over £100,000 for charity.

Competitors as usual gathered within the walls of Warwick Castle and were sent on their way by Warwick mayor Coun Neale Murphy, at exactly 9.00 am.

Some 32 minutes 57 seconds later winner Callum Hanton, a member of    Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club (LCAC), crossed the finish line in Kenilworth Castle.

Second man home was Peter Lighting from Kent AC and third was Ian Allen Woodward from Spa Striders.

Callum said he enjoyed the support along the route, including along the road he lives in. Callum has run the race several times before but this was his first win.

The first woman home was Kelly Edwards in 37.19 (LEAC), an excellent time. Second woman was Julie Emerson (Coventry Godiva) in 38.36, and some 24 seconds later Natalie Bhangal (LEAC) crossed the line to take third place.

This year saw 80 competitors run in memory of James Madley, well known as captain of the 2^nd XI and chairman of Kenilworth Wardens Cricket Club, who died in 2018 from a rare Sarcoma cancer. He lived only two months after diagnosis aged just 29 years old. The group, having already raised in excess of £12,000 for Sarcoma UK, will add to the fund with sponsorship from the run. James had himself been a competitor in the Two Castles Run every year since his 17^th birthday.

Race organiser Philip Southwell said: “The Two Castles is one of the best-loved athletic events in the Midlands and is both for serious runners and for those who run for sheer enjoyment, or for charity. Each year it grows in popularity and attracts entries from all the country. As always, our priority is to have a safe, injury-free event and today we have again achieved that, together with raising £100,000 for charity.”

Richard Thornton, joint senior partner of sponsors Blythe Liggins Solicitors, said: “It was great to be involved with the event once again. We had 30 runners from Blythe Liggins taking part this year, and everyone really appreciated the atmosphere on the day. Once again, Kenilworth Rotary Club did a fantastic job. We are already looking forward to next year’s run.”

It was the consecutive 14^th year that the Leamington law firm had sponsored the event.

Caption: Sponsors Blythe Liggins Solicitor’s team

Sixteen wickets in four matches has seen a young Warwick seamer crowned the Courier’s first cricketer of the month for the 2019 season.

Josh Osborne, 24, is part of a Warwick CC bowling attack which has seen the club bag back-to-back promotions over the past two seasons and his rich vein of form now sees him top not only his club’s wicket-taking charts but also the league’s.

In association with sponsors Blythe Liggins Solicitors, the Courier has crowned Josh our best of the bunch for May, after the right-arm bowler claimed a five-for, two four-fors and a three-for in his last four games.

His prize, collected from Leamington law firm Blythe Liggins’ Rugby Road headquarters, is a box of new balls for his club.

Josh, whose career-best figures are an impressively economical 6-8, said: “Personally, it’s been a good season so far. I hadn’t actually played much cricket coming into the new season as I’d been away at university, so I didn’t think I had much to lose!

“It’s just clicked really and I’ve now taken 21 or 22 wickets, so I’m really pleased.”

Josh has been part of the Warwick setup for the past 10 years, joining as a junior. As well as leading the first team’s attack, he’s also helping out with the club’s latest crop of juniors.

He said: “The club’s definitely going in the right direction. We have had two promotions and could well go up again this year but, if not, it will be a good consolidation season.

“I’m enjoying it and also coaching the club’s ‘transition’ age group, so those making the move from All Stars to hard ball cricket. I’ve been involved with training juniors at district and county level and it’s something I really enjoy.”

Tim Lester, partner at Blythe Liggins, said: “Josh’s form so far this season has been incredibly impressive and he’s a very deserving first winner of 2019. Leading the league’s wicket-taking charts is no mean feat, I hope his fine form continues for the rest of the campaign.”

CAPTION: Warwick Cricket Club’s Josh Osborne collects his cricketer of the month prize from Blythe Liggins partner Tim Lester

This month (May) we are launching the fourth year of ourPlayer of the Month competition, in association with sponsors Blythe Liggins Solicitors of Leamington.

Each month during the season we will be celebrating the deeds of our cricketers and awarding a box of six new cricket balls to the club whose batsman, bowler or all-rounder has given the best performance.

The first winner will be selected from matches played during April and May.

Richard Thornton, joint senior partner of Blythe Liggins, said: “We are avid supporters of sport in the region and have thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring this competition, which is designed to recognise individual talent.

“Last year’s crop of winners included some spectacular performances from batsmen and bowlers alike and we are looking forward to recognising and rewarding further outstanding achievements throughout this season.”

Blythe Liggins also sponsors the Two Castles run between the castles of Warwick and Kenilworth, which will be run on June 9.

Caption: Richard Thornton, joint senior partner of Blythe Liggins Solictors.

Preparations for next month’s (June) 4,000-strong annual Two Castles run between Warwick and Kenilworth are well under way.

 

The event, which is organised by Kenilworth Rotary Club and Leamington Cycling & Athletics Club and raises around £100,000 for charity each year, will start at Warwick Castle at 9.00 am on Sunday June 9 with the winner expected at Kenilworth Castle just over 30 minutes later.

 

Rotary press officer Bob Kelly said: “The Two Castles is one of the best-loved athletic events in the Midlands and is both for serious runners and for those who run for sheer enjoyment, or for charity. Each year it grows in popularity and attracts entries from all the country.”

 

Leamington law firm Blythe Liggins is sponsoring the run for the 14th year and will be fielding a team of about 30 runners, and providing a water station at the finish.

 

Richard Thornton, joint senior partner, said: “Kenilworth Rotary Club has done an amazing job yet again. It’s a wonderful event and the whole firm always looks forward to taking part. We are extremely proud to have been supporting it for so many years.”

 

CAPTION:  Some of the Blythe Liggins team in training for the Two Castles in June. (l-r) Arvi Samra, Lois Harrison, Paul England and Claire Kirwan.

When you attend the dentist you are entitled to expect that they will provide you with proper care. Unfortunately not all procedures are successful and when things go wrong the effects can be extremely distressing, both physically and financially.

When a dentist does not provide proper care and an avoidable injury occurs, this is considered as negligence and a patient should be compensated for their pain and suffering. There are a wide range of possible claims and I shall set out some of the most common below.

Before any treatment commences your dentist must obtain the proper consent to proceed.  They should explain exactly what the treatment is for, what the risks of having the treatment are, the benefits of having the treatment and the potential risks of not having the treatment.  The dentist should also provide information on the costs of the various options. If they fail to give sufficient advice and warnings then it could be argued that they have not obtained the patient’s ‘informed consent’ to proceed.

Any dental health care professional should be constantly alert to the risks of gum disease and this should be monitored at every consultation with a dentist.  The dentist is required to provide patients with advice on oral hygiene and has a duty to give advice on smoking cessation. If they fail to do so then this could be negligent.

During a tooth extraction, a tooth may fracture.  It is important to note that a tooth fracture during extraction is not by itself a cause for negligence however, the risks of such a fracture must be explained before the treatment commences.  If a fracture occurs, the dentist must offer the patient removal by a specialist if they are not competent to carry out the treatment and an x-ray of the tooth should be performed. It is also possible to cause nerve damage when extracting a tooth and, again, due warnings must be given.

Cosmetic treatments are becoming increasingly popular and,as with all treatment, it is vital that the risks are clearly explained.  When fitting crowns, there is a chance that the nerve of the tooth will die and poorly fitted crowns can be hard to clean and result in problems such as gum disease.

The dentist must also consider the way the teeth ‘bite’.  If a number of teeth are crowned or veneered, these can fracture if the movement of the upper and lower teeth are not synchronised.

Dental implants should only be carried out by a specialist dentist.  A patient’s suitability for dental implants must be carefully considered before such treatment is offered to include their general health and the health of the gums and other teeth.

When a dentist carries out any consultation, they should also be on the lookout for any worrying signs of oral cancer.  

If a dentist is found negligent then an award of damages will include the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused, knownas general damages. In addition, any other losses and expenses incurred as a result of the negligence should also be recovered (known as special damages).  Typical special damages may include: dental treatment costs, travel expenses, loss of earnings and medication costs. Most dental work has a finite lifespan and so future treatment costs can also be claimed, as can the cost of increased visits to a dentist and increased maintenance costs.

If you consider you may have suffered from negligent dental treatment then please do not hesitate to contact me at aml@blytheliggins.co.uk.

Caption: Adam Lloyd, Solicitor. Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Department

A Leamington law firm’s sponsorship of women’s cricket atLeamington has paid dividends with no less than four girls being called up for county duty this summer.

Blythe Liggins, which also sponsors the Two Castles Run, has renewed its support of the women and girls’ sectionat Leamington Cricket Club in Arlington Avenue for a second year.

Kevin Mitchell, chairman of Leamington Cricket Club and a partner and commercial solicitor with Blythe Liggins, said the sponsorship was providing extra coaching and equipment.

He said: “Everyone at the club is very excited about the news that Imogen Lomas, Abi Mitchell and Sabrina Burrows have been selected for Warwickshire and that Laura Bawden has been picked by Worcestershire.

“Women’s cricket is one of the fastest growing sports and Leamington Cricket Club is at its forefront in this area. We were the first club in England to hold a women’s softball festival and we hope to make it an annual event. We also have girls as young as five playing, and a joint venture with Berkswell Ladies which enables them to both train and play their matches here.”

The club’s chairman of cricket Neil Smith, a former England and Warwickshire player and son of legendary England cricket captain and rugby international M.J.K. Smith, said: “These are exciting times for women’s cricket and Blythe Liggins’ generous support is helping us to provide extra equipment and more coaching. For example, we have just been able to secure the additional coaching services offormer Gloucestershire professional Ollie Currill.”

CAPTION: Leamington Cricket Club chairman Kevin Mitchell (left) with chairman of cricket Neil Smith and the club’s county players Sabrina Burrows, Abi Mitchell, Laura Bawden and Imogen Lomas.

An intrepid Leamington solicitor preparing to walk part of the Great Wall of China took time out from her training this month to support The Myton Hospices during Make a Will Week.

In May, Donna Bothamley, head of wills and probate at Blythe Liggins solicitors, will embark on her epic adventure, walking along the Great Wall to raise funds for the hospice.

But first, Donna gave up her time and skills for freeduring the week-long event to help people write or update their wills in return for a donation to the hospice, which Donna and her firm are keen fundraisers for.

The charity is hoping to raise £42,000 from the China walk, enough to keep the Inpatient Unit running for seven days, and Blythe Liggins is paying all Donna’s expenses so that every penny of her sponsorship goes to the hospice.

Ellie Morgans, Individual Giving & Legacy fundraiser at The Myton Hospices, said:

 

“Writing a will is not at the top of most people’s ‘to-do’ lists but it is one of the most important things you can do. We would like to thank Blythe Liggins and everyone who took part in our Make a Will Week and helped to support Myton Hospices at the same time.”

 

Donna said: “Few people are given the opportunity to walk along the lesser-seen parts of the wall so I didn’t hesitate when I heard about it. Only a few sections of the Great Wall are still open to the public, but the 36 km trek over five days will give me and other volunteers access to parts of the historic wall that not many people are lucky enough to see.”

 

To support Donna, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Donna-Bothamley1

Further information can be obtained at www.mytonhospice.org or by calling Rebecca Richards on 01926 838891 or emailing Rebecca.Richards@mytonhospice.org

 

CAPTION: Donna Bothamley on a training walk.

The Myton Hospices has opened its first charity shop in Stratford, alongside Morrisons’ supermarket.

Cath D’Eath, assistant retail operations manager at Myton, said: “We are thrilled to have opened in the town. The shop being next to Morrisons is something very different for us and we are excited that people will be able to support Myton when they visit to do their grocery shopping.

“Myton’s services, particularly our inpatient units, serve the people of Stratford and this is a wonderful opportunity for local people to connect with us, as well as supporting the charity.”

Nick Watts, a commercial solicitor with Blythe Liggins in Leamington, who has handled the leases for Myton’s shops for many years, said: “This is an exciting addition for Myton Hospices. Having a shop alongside a popular store is a new thing for them, but should prove to be very successful for the charity.

“Where it is located will make it easy for people to park and make donations. They can just pack their items in the car and bring them along when they do their supermarket shop. It’s so convenient.”

The latest opening takes the total number of Myton shops in Coventry and Warwickshire to 26.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at a Myton shop can visit www.mytonhospice.org/volunteering

Caption: Nick Watts, Solicitor. Commercial Department

In 2004 Paul Wright had surgery at The Basildon & Thurrock Hospital NHS Trust. The operation was carried out negligently and left him with a massive scar across his entire abdomen and pieces of the “bogota” bag used in the surgery were left in his wound. Subsequent surgery removed the pieces of the bag but Mr Wright was left with a destroyed abdominal wall leading in turn to difficulties in movement, walking and working.

In 2008 Mr Wright saw an advertisement for Troy Lucas & Co advertising “affordable legal advice when you need it!”

Mr Wright went on to instruct George Rusz sole principal of Troy Lucas & Co to act for him in a clinical negligence claim against the NHS Trust. What Mr Wright did not know was that George Rusz had no legal qualifications, no right to represent Mr Wright in Court, no professional indemnity insurance and was completely unregulated.

Mr Wright had a good claim against the NHS Trust which was later valued at a figure in excess of £320,000.00. The result however of Mr Wright’s legal action against the NHS Trust,conducted by George Rusz, was a settlement of just £20,000.00 but, because of the way George Rusz had conducted the litigation, Mr Wright had to pay the NHS Trust’s costs of approximately £74,000.00 leaving him £54,000.00 out of pocket.

Mr Wright subsequently instructed a firm of solicitors to bring an action against Troy Lucas & Co. This action was determined in the High Court in March 2019 when the Judge held that the firm had conducted the litigation negligently. The Judge ordered that Troy Lucas & Co should pay Mr Wright a sum in excess of £250,000.00.

I have not been able to establish whether the Judgment has been paid but given the fact that Troy Lucas & Co did not have any professional indemnity insurance it would only be paid if George Rusz had cash or assets sufficient to make that payment.

George Rusz is what is known in legal circles as a “McKenzie Friend”. McKenzie Friends are named after a case in 1971 when a Judge gave permission to a friend of a litigant to help him by preparing papers, taking notes and attending at Court. In 1971 it was not envisaged that McKenzie Friends would be paid for their services but with the collapse of Legal Aid paid McKenzie Friends have become widely prevalent in all areas of litigation including personal injury, clinical negligence, civil claims, employment and in matrimonial proceedings.

There are many dangers in instructing someone to act for you who is uninsured, unregulated and who has no legal qualifications. There are a number of ways in which Claimants who have a strong case with good prospects of recovery may instruct solicitors and then barristers to act for them including Conditional Fee Agreements and Damage Based Agreements which are commonly known as “No Win, No Fee Agreements.”

The moral of the story is please check to ensure that whoever is advising you is qualified, insured and regulated.

Caption: Richard Thornton, Senior Partner. Head of Dispute Resolution

A top Leamington law firm is urging people to check their eligibility for a lasting power of attorney (LPA) fee refund of up to £54.

 

Almost two million people were overcharged by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) between 2013 and 2017. 

 

Law firm Blythe Liggins says people can expect to receive a refund of up to £54, with any interest which is accrued after the registration is made.

 

So far, only 200,000 of the 1.8million people owed have claimed, meaning there’s £77 million still owed to customers.

 

An LPA is a document which gives a person the power to make decisions on a loved one’s behalf when they can no longer do so. 

 

Donna Bothamley, head of wills and probate at Blythe Liggins, said: “It takes about 10 minutes to claim online. 

 

“You’ll need the donor’s bank details and a copy of the LPA, if you have it. 

 

“So many people are missing out as they don’t know they are eligible. We urge people to find out if they are entitled to this money as soon as possible.”

 

Lakshmi Turner, chief executive of Solicitors for the Elderly(SFE), added: “While it’s comforting to know people are making provisions by putting LPAs in place, millions of families, many of whom may have been going through a tough time with elderly relatives, will have been needlessly overcharged.”

 

Recent research from SFE found only seven per cent of people have LPAs in place, meaning millions of people are currently unprepared for later life. 

 

SFE is urging anyone planning for their future to consider setting up an LPA and to seek advice from a specialist lawyer.

 

For help or more information about making a claim, call Blythe Liggins on 01926 831231.