Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors is proud to reflect on a successful year supporting the Gaby Hardwicke Foundation as our Charity of the Year 2025. Over the course of the year colleagues across the firm raised over £4,000 through a variety of fundraising activities.
A standout moment from the year was the Foundation’s presentation of a £3,500 donation to Isabelle Everest by Sharon Berry, staff representative for our Bexhill office who attends Foundation trustee meetings. Sharon has known Isabelle since she was a baby, making the presentation particularly meaningful and personal.
Supporting potential through the Gaby Hardwicke Foundation
The Gaby Hardwicke Foundation was established to support individuals and organisations that help people overcome disadvantage, unlock opportunity, and achieve their full potential. Its work spans disability support, education, sport, and community inclusion — providing practical financial assistance where it can make a real and lasting difference.
Isabelle’s journey perfectly reflects the Foundation’s mission.
Isabelle Everest: resilience, excellence and inclusion
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Isabelle is an elite adaptive judoka who has achieved extraordinary success on the national and international stage. Her achievements include:
- Multiple-time National Judo and Kata Champion
- Pan Disability European Champion (four times)
- Pan Disability World Champion
- European Judo Union Adaptive Kata Champion — part of the first-ever GB Kata pair to win gold
- Irish Judo Champion (Gold and Bronze)
Beyond competition, Isabelle sits on national working groups for the British Judo Association, is a Level 1 Judo Coach specialising in teaching children with disabilities, and is a passionate advocate for inclusion in sport. She is also an ambassador for Variety Children’s Charity and works closely with Evelina London Children’s Hospital, sharing her story at conferences and events across the UK.
Competing at an elite adaptive level often requires international travel, specialist support, and significant personal cost — something Isabelle approaches with determination and optimism. As she says herself:
“CP is part of me, not my headline.”
Proud to support meaningful impact
We are incredibly proud that our Charity of the Year fundraising helped support Isabelle’s journey and the wider work of the Gaby Hardwicke Foundation. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and supported our fundraising efforts throughout the year.
