The Big Interview: Jethro Shearring & Brian Deehan

With roots in the local community that span back 180 years, it's not surprising that Rollits supports a range of worthy causes. However, it's the extent of the law firm's charitable activity that is particularly impressive, which is why we spoke to Jethro Shearring from Dove House Hospice and Brian Deehan from the East Yorkshire branch of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

"Rollits has been fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK for over thirty years, which equates to around £150,000," says Brian. "Needless to say, the team's ongoing support is extremely important to us."

Jethro adds: "At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rollits ran a virtual A-Team themed event to keep its fundraising going in aid of Dove House Hospice. They never stop being there for their charities and always remain focused on the community."

Earlier this year, the law firm was able to resume the Rollits Charity Golf Day, which took place at Brough Golf Club and saw twenty teams from the firm, its clients and wider network come together for a day of putting, socialising and fundraising.

"It was a very enjoyable day and a welcome opportunity to have a catch-up," says Brian. "Brough Golf Club do a tremendous job and Wesley the steward bought raffle tickets himself, making it a real community occasion. As always, Rollits organised the perfect event and I have to praise Pat Coyle in particular, as she's brilliant and always goes above and beyond."

Jethro says: "I have to admit I don't know anything about golf but it was great fun in a lovely location. Plenty of attendees took part in the raffle we held that day, plus we were constantly talking to people, giving out literature and helping to raise awareness of both charities. It was a huge success!"

Dove House Hospice is well-known throughout Hull and East Yorkshire, especially due to its multiple charity shops and weekly lottery. Jethro tells us that money received from the government only covers the charity's running costs for forty days each year, which is why fundraising is so integral to the organisation's upkeep and continuation:

"Rollits is intertwined with the history of Dove House, as they're both cornerstones of the local community. We couldn't exist without the generous support of businesses and individuals, with Rollits being a lifeboat during turbulent times caused by the pandemic. We really are so grateful for everything they do."

Muscular Dystrophy UK also has many ways for people to get involved, ranging from donations and fundraising to volunteering and events. Meanwhile, the support offered by Rollits helps the charity to continue its vital research into developing treatments.

Around 70,000 people in the UK have muscular dystrophy or a related muscle-wasting condition. A new life-saving gene therapy called Zolgensma costs up to £2million for one dose treatment, which would be inaccessible to the vast majority of people if it wasn't for the work of charities such as Muscular Dystrophy UK.

"We're also involved in Project ECHO, which is an international movement," says Brian. "Any clinician at any hospice around the world can access expert advice online and share best practices. This makes the latest clinical insight instantly accessible and is actively upscaling the education of consultants."

Pat Coyle, Director of Marketing and Client Relations at Rollits, adds: "We're so pleased with the response from businesses which turned up to play and to sponsor the various elements of our golf day, and most of all we're delighted that we were able to support two very deserving charities which have found things very difficult over the last year."

If you would like to support these two crucial charities, please visit the Dove House Hospice and Muscular Dystrophy UK websites.

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