A law firm is backing a national campaign to change the law on duty of care — while also raising thousands of pounds for children’s charities at a high-profile fundraising event.
KMC Legal & Finance Ltd, based in Dunston, near Stafford, is supporting a mother’s campaign after her 21-year-old son Matthew died when those around him failed to call for medical help.
Sue Gray, from Sheppey, is calling for a change in UK Duty of Care laws to make it a criminal offence to ignore someone in life-threatening need. Despite Matthew being seriously ill for more than two days, no one called for assistance and police later confirmed no offence had been committed, as those present had no legal duty to act.
Supported by KMC Legal and the James Bulger Memorial Trust, the family recently met with the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Victims, Alex Davies-Jones, and MP Kevin McKenna at the Houses of Parliament to raise awareness of the issue.
KMC founder Katie McCreath said: “When I first heard about Matthew’s case, I was shocked to learn that no investigation was pursued because there was said to be no duty of care. It exposed a serious gap in the law.
“As a mother, I find Sue’s strength and resilience remarkable. To take such loss and turn it into a campaign to protect others is extraordinary. The idea that someone can die in front of others and there is no legal duty to call for help does not sit right with any sense of justice.
“There are legal barriers, of course, but they are not insurmountable. This is exactly what we are working through to put to the Law Commission.”
The campaign, Duty of Care for Everyone Everywhere, has already gathered more than 79,000 signatures on its petition.
KMC Legal, which specialises in criminal defence, family and civil law, also recently hosted a Black Tie and Tiara Charity Ball at Aston Marina near Stone, which raised more than £13,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and The James Bulger Memorial Trust.
The event drew a host of celebrity guests, including Real Housewives of Cheshire stars Lystra Adams, Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko, Mr Motivator MBE and charity ambassador Claire Caldwell. X Factor favourite Chico was among those attending, and Olivier Award-winning singer Beverley Knight headlined the night with a 30-minute performance.
Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, three-course dinner, and charity auction featuring prizes such as private equestrian coaching with Geoff Billington, a Royal Ascot hospitality package, and signed memorabilia from sports stars.
Kym Morris BCA, chairwoman of the James Bulger Memorial Trust, said: “It was a night full of warmth, kindness and generosity. To see household names stand alongside our community to support families during their toughest times is truly humbling.”
