In addition to my role as a Senior Solicitor specialising in catastrophic personal injury claims, I also act as a financial deputy under the Court of Protection for clients who don’t have capacity to manage their own financial affairs, either as a result of illness or injury. Day to day, this means that I essentially step into the shoes of my clients to support them to make decisions and manage their best interests in relation to their finances. As part of this professional deputyship, I manage clients’ investments with the support of an Independent Financial Advisor, benefits, day to day expenses and allowances, as well as engaging with any multidisciplinary team in place in order continue my clients’ rehab and improvement.“Debra was there for me every step of the way, first as my solicitor and then as my deputy. She was supportive, understanding and nothing was ever too much trouble. Debra managed my finances diligently for more than three years, making investments and decisions in my best interest. With her guidance, I was able to regain capacity to handle my own finances in 2022. I asked Debra if she would continue to support me by becoming a trustee of my Personal Injury Trust where she continues to use her knowledge and experience of managing large financial portfolios while empowering me to live independently. Thank you Debra for all your support and hard work.”I also dedicate much of my time to charity in my role as Chair at Headway Derby. I first joined Headway Derby, a local charity working to improve the lives of brain injury survivors and their loved ones in 2014 where I sat on the Board of Trustees supporting the overall development of the organisation. In 2016, I stepped up my role at the charity and became the Chairperson, taking over from the retiring Chair of many years, a role I have done for almost seven years now.