Law firm pledges support for eating disorder recovery charity

Law firm Nelsons has announced its support for Derby-based eating disorder and support charity First Steps ED.

Each year, staff at the firm’s offices across the region are invited to nominate charities they would like to support for the year.

In Derby, Nelsons has chosen First Steps ED, which offers early help, therapy, and lived experience support for children, young people, and adults across the UK.

First Steps ED was a particularly important charity to Nelsons’ senior associate in the wills and probate team, Tom Glenister.

Around six years ago, Tom’s daughter was diagnosed with anorexia and spent time as an inpatient on a specialist eating disorder unit.

After six months, when she was able to leave the unit, she accessed support with First Steps ED.

Tom said: “For any family facing these incredibly difficult situations, particularly with a younger person, it can be so overwhelming to know what to do when there is a diagnosis but also what happens outside of inpatient support.

“Our experience with First Steps ED was so positive in my daughter’s journey; they took her out in the community, helped her to order food and built her confidence.

“They also offer one-to-one support sessions, which I think are really vital to understanding individuals and taking the time to get to know each person.

“They have continued to be a big part of my daughter’s life since that first experience and I am very grateful.

“Being a local charity in Derby, it’s great to have Nelsons’ support in highlighting such an important issue as it so often doesn’t get the awareness it needs.

“This has been the first opportunity I have really been able to give back and support First Steps ED, so I am very proud to be part of making that happen.”

Stewart Vandermark, chief executive at Nelsons, said: “The nominated charities are an integral part of Nelsons’ culture that enables us to give back to the three East Midlands communities that we are part of.

“First Steps ED is a Derby organisation, with a far-reaching impact that is making a huge difference to many individuals and their families facing incredible challenges.

“This nomination is made even more special due to its connection to one of our colleagues, so we are proud to be pledging our commitment this year.”

Daniel Magson, chief executive at First Steps ED, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen as Nelsons’ charity of the year in Derby, and are deeply grateful for their commitment to supporting our vital work with families affected by eating disorders.

“This partnership holds special significance given Tom’s personal connection to our charity, and his experience demonstrates how crucial our support services are during eating disorders recovery.

“The enthusiasm and creativity of their team’s fundraising efforts will help us reach more families when they need us most, ensuring that young people and their loved ones have access to specialist support that can truly change lives.”