International Day of Charity 2026
September 4, 2026
To mark International Day of Charity 2026, Exchange Chambers is celebrating its ongoing partnership with the Rooprai Spinal Trust (RST).
Exchange Chambers named RST as its charity partner in October 2024 and has recently extended the partnership for a further year.
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. Her partner, Andy Uttridge, is co-founder of the charity.
Since the partnership began, Exchange Chambers has raised funds and awareness for RST, enabling the charity to provide specialist physiotherapy and rehabilitation to people affected by spinal cord injury.
Over the last 12 months, fundraising activity in support of RST has generated tens of thousands of pounds, with Exchange’s annual charity ball in November a particular highlight.
In other initiatives, Exchange Chambers barrister Natalia Cornwall successfully completed the Paris Marathon. Natalia, who practises in criminal law, was inspired to take on the 26.2-mile challenge after meeting Marrianne and Andy and learning more about the charity’s work.
RST currently works with five specialist neuro-physiotherapy centres across England. With support from Exchange Chambers, more than 20 new individuals have accessed these centres so far in 2026, alongside those already receiving support.
Members of Exchange Chambers visited The Rehab Physio, one of RST’s trusted physiotherapy partners, where they were able to learn more about the rehabilitation on offer and meet some of those benefiting from the partnership.
Among them was Issy, who had recently qualified as a physiotherapist when an accident left her with a spinal cord injury.
Issy’s injury affects her upper limbs rather than her lower extremities, resulting in paralysis in one arm and reduced function in both arms and hands. She continues to work hard on her rehabilitation, with the hope that ongoing physiotherapy will enable her to return to the profession she loves.
Andy Uttridge says the continued support from Exchange Chambers is hugely important to the charity.
“As a small, voluntary charity, one of our greatest challenges is ensuring that our resources reach as many suitable beneficiaries as possible,” says Andy.
“The continued support from Exchange Chambers, alongside collaboration with other charities, enables us to extend our reach and provide vital support to more people than ever before.
“The extension of our partnership allows us to plan with confidence, reach more people and make an even greater impact.”
Jonathan I’Anson, Exchange Chambers’ Chief Executive, says Chambers is proud to continue supporting RST.
“We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with RST,” says Jonathan.
“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 importance of post-paralysis support.
“Since our partnership began, we have seen first-hand the difference RST’s work makes, and we’re proud to be playing our part.”
Exchange Chambers will continue its fundraising for RST, with its next charity ball taking place in Manchester in November.
