On 9 April Daisy Hopson ran the Brighton 10k to raise vital funds for the Orpheus Centre in memory of her brother, Mike.
Running 10k was an ambitious task for Daisy as she could only just about jog a quarter of the distance a few weeks prior, but the fond memories of her brother encouraged her to persevere. Mike Hopson was once a student at the centre and he would often say “I don’t want to walk and talk; I want to sing and dance!” summing up exactly what it means to be an Orpheus student. Mike was a true performer and loved taking part in Orpheus productions. He had a wicked sense of humour, a contagious laugh and was always kind to others. After graduating, Mike continued to visit the Orpheus Centre for short courses in the arts. Sadly, in 2007, he passed away from a sudden illness.
Inspired by her brother’s life, Daisy now works at the Disabilities Trust in Sussex. She said “it seems like the right fit for something so close to my heart.” Additionally, it is her brother and his love for the Orpheus Centre that motivated Daisy to take on the challenge of running the 10k. After overcoming the hurdles of an injury, and just simply ‘not being a runner’, she completed the 10k in 1.03! Moreover, she surpassed by far her original target of £250, and raised over £1000 to help more young disabled adults to learn and perform at the Orpheus Centre and to go on to live independent lives.

About the Orpheus Centre
Orpheus is an independent specialist college that increases the confidence and skills of young disabled adults through the performing arts. We believe every young disabled person should have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers. We offer a holistic learning programme, a supported housing scheme and a domiciliary support service.
The Orpheus Centre, North Park Lane, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8ND
01883 744664
Find out more on the orpheus website.

Champagne flowed as a new business moved into Reigate with the official opening of Newmans Solicitors’ office at 4 Church Street on Wednesday 12th April.
Organised on behalf of the company by Horley-based advertising and promotions agency MAD Ideas, the event was well attended, with guests from other local businesses dropping in to congratulate Newman’s Managing Director Saira Babar and her team on their arrival in town.
Guests of honour included the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr David Powell and the MP for Reigate, Crispin Blunt. Speeches from both the Mayor and the town’s MP followed the cutting of the ceremonial red ribbon.

Saira Babar, Managing Director of Newmans Solicitors said: “I am delighted to have opened our brand new branch in Reigate. We couldn’t be in a better position at 4 Church Street. Newmans Solicitors was first established in 1973. Following the retirement of the company’s original owners we purchased the business in 2007. In those days we employed just four people. Now there are 10.”
Saira concluded: “We moved our Horley branch from 10 High Street to 1 High Street which is a much better location for us. In 2009 we opened an office in Mayfair, close to Claridges. This is where we have meeting rooms for our international clients. The 1st March this year marked the 10th anniversary of our ownership of Newmans, and this, together with the opening of our Reigate office, makes 2017 a milestone for our business.”