On 8th March 2026, Emma Pickford completed a half-marathon in support of Headway, a charity that is close to the hearts of everyone at Blackwater Law. The run was not just a personal challenge for Emma, but an effort to raise awareness and vital funds for people affected by brain injuries.
Why Headway Matters
Brain injuries can affect every aspect of a person’s life walking, talking, thinking, and feeling. For those affected, the losses can be severe and permanent, changing both the life they once lived and the person they once were.
Although most of us think “it will never happen to me,” the reality is stark: around 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury each year in the UK, that’s one every 90 seconds. When a brain injury occurs, Headway is there to provide support, advice, and rehabilitation, helping people and families rebuild their lives.
Seeing the Impact First-hand
In January 2026, Emma visited the Essex Headway Centre and saw first-hand the profound impact brain injuries can have on everyday life, gaining an even deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those the charity supports.
Emma took on the half-marathon challenge well before her visit to the Essex Headway Centre, but seeing the work of the charity up close in January 2025 made the cause even more personal.
“When the idea of running the Half Marathon was first mentioned to me by Millie and Emily from our Marketing team, my instinctive reaction was to politely decline and hope that someone else from the team would take the opportunity instead!
However, the more I thought about it and looked at the work Headway Essex does for its clients and their families, the more I couldn’t shake the idea that I wanted to help in some way. The people who use their facilities have been through the most devastating of situations through no fault of their own and Headway Essex provide them with support and advice to help them get back on their feet and live the most fulfilling of lives whilst coming to terms with their new “normal”.
If I can help Headway Essex continue to do that in a small way, just by running for a few hours, then all the training, early mornings and aches and pains will be more than worth it.” said Emma Pickford.
A Partnership That Makes a Difference
Blackwater Law has a long-standing partnership with Headway and sees the difference the charity makes every day. Tom Kamlow Associate Solicitor and team member at Blackwater Law, comments:
“It’s been a real pleasure to visit Headway Essex and see firsthand the incredible work they do supporting people with acquired brain injury. The centre provides not only vital rehabilitation, but also a welcoming community space.
We’re especially proud to be supporting the charity as Emma takes on the Half Marathon to raise funds for Headway, and it’s a real privilege for everyone at Blackwater Law to be involved in our local Headway community.”
Raising Awareness and Funds
Emma’s half-marathon effort will help raise money that goes directly towards Headway’s programs, supporting people with brain injuries and their families. Every donation makes a difference, enabling the charity to provide the specialist care, rehabilitation, and advice that so many people rely on.
For anyone inspired by Emma’s achievement and wishing to support Headway, donations can be made Emma Pickford is fundraising for Headway Essex.
