I have started this JustGiving page as a place and means for those who attended bar school with Sara McCarthy at UWE to donate towards an award in her memory.

Sara died suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep on Saturday 20th May 2017. Those who knew her will remember her wicked sense of humour, vibrant personality, tenacity, work ethic and strength. She was an absolute asset to our graduating year and to the bar.

It was important to me to set up something in her memory which rightly recognised Sara's contribution to the bar but also gave her family - and most importantly her two children - something to be absolutely proud of.

I have therefore, with the help of Deylth James at UWE who kindly assisted in having my application dealt with expeditiously, set up an award in Sara's memory,

The award, which has now been approved by UWE, is The Sara McCarthy Award and will be awarded in the sum of £100 annually to the BPTC student with the highest mark in family law.

It is absolutely fitting that Sara's award is made to such a person. After graduating from UWE Sara became a family law specialist having herself obtained one of the highest marks in the family law option. She was dedicated to social justice in the realms of family law and I know would approve of the award being allocated to the highest performing family law candidate.

I want the award to be able to be offered for as long as it possibly can be. People could make an annual commitment towards the £100 per annum but I know there are many of you who'd prefer to make a one-off donation. Anything raised will be passed to UWE to fund the award.

Her family has given permission for this fundraising and for the award.

Please give what you can to help get this award started x