WonderLAN Ball raises £45,000 for Headway

A North East law firm has marked a milestone in its charitable work with a fundraising event that brought a touch of Tennessee to Tyneside.

EMG Solicitors has celebrated ten years of partnership with Headway – the brain injury association – by raising £45,000 at its annual WonderLAN Ball, held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. 

The firm, which has offices in Durham, Darlington, Newcastle, Penrith, Manchester and Reading, has supported the charity since 2015 and has now raised £185,000 to help fund its work with brain injury survivors.

This year’s event embraced a country music theme, drawing 550 guests for live performances, entertainment and fundraising activities. 

The support reflects EMG’s close links with the charity through its Court of Protection work, which provides specialist assistance to people rebuilding their lives after a brain injury.

Emma Gaudern, chief executive of EMG Solicitors, said: “We established the WonderLAN Ball as a way for us to give back to the community of brain injury survivors we are so proud to represent through our Court of Protection work. 

“Finding a supportive and collaborative partner in Headway has been essential to the event’s success and we’re very proud to be celebrating ten years of our partnership.

“Headway is an incredibly important charity because it specialises in working with adults and children with an acquired brain injury, a cause that is close to all our hearts at EMG. 

“I’d like to thank each and every person that joined us at this year’s WonderLAN Ball for being so generous. 

“And to all our wonderful sponsors, Frenkel Topping, Active Care Group Case Management, Active Neuro, BM Brooks Adroit, Conçerva, Design for Independence, Handelsbanken, PLG Consultants, Utilita Arena Newcastle and Winn Solicitors, who we couldn’t run the event without.” 

Funds raised will help more than 100 survivors, families and carers attend Headway’s annual Look Ahead North weekend at the Calvert Trust in Kielder, where activities include high ropes, archery and music therapy. 

Alongside the event, EMG also donates five per cent of its profits to its community fund, which has awarded over £73,000 in grants to local causes.

Jemma Morland, director and head of Court of Protection property and affairs at EMG Solicitors, added: “It's incredibly rewarding to know that all the money we’ve raised for Headway goes towards putting on an incredible event where people get to have fun, build their confidence and enhance their lives. 

“All of us at EMG Solicitors feel passionately about everything the charity has achieved and continues to achieve. 

“Headway has a really interesting and exciting agenda for change and we feel honoured to be part of that.”

Luke Griggs, chief executive of Headway, added: “The WonderLAN Ball brings together so many people who passionately care about improving life after brain injury. 

“The money raised is crucial to our annual Look Ahead North weekend; an opportunity for brain injury survivors to experience camaraderie, team building and emotional support. 

“And it simply would not be possible without the efforts of Emma and Jemma, their team and all those who contribute to the amazing WonderLAN Ball each year.” 

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