Consilia Legal Charity of the Year – Melanie’s Miles of Hope

This year we are proud to announce Melanie’s Miles of Hope as our Charity of the Year for 2025 —a cause that embodies resilience, compassion and the power of community, and one that is incredibly close to our hearts.

Why Melanie’s Miles of Hope?

Mel Hartley was a truly inspirational woman. She defied all odds, completing extraordinary feats while courageously battling aggressive and terminal cancer. From running the Yorkshire Marathon against medical advice to crossing the finish line of the Rob Burrows Half Marathon as her body failed her—she was far more than just determined.

Mel wanted to make a difference to local people in Yorkshire. She wanted to help other cancer patients to buy a wig if they couldn’t afford one, to help someone go on holiday with their loved ones, to help them access alternative therapies, or pay for an annual gym or swimming membership to get them active again.

She couldn’t find any other charity that offered this kind of diverse and practical support, so she chose to set one up herself.

Mel wanted to create a legacy that would help some of the cancer patients that she met throughout her journey, and many more to come, and so Melanie’s Miles of Hope was born.

Mel’s journey sadly ended on 31st October 2024, but her mission continues. Melanie’s Miles of Hope is dedicated to supporting Yorkshire families affected by cancer, providing direct and heartfelt assistance that makes a real difference.

How Melanie’s Miles of Hope Makes an Impact

Every donation and initiative helps individuals and families facing the challenges of cancer in practical, life-enhancing ways.

The charity’s focus includes:

• Funding cuddle beds for Kirkwood Hospice, allowing patients and loved ones to share precious moments together.
• Providing financial aid for fertility treatment, like the support given to a young woman after her battle with Triple Negative Cancer.
• Offering mobility aids, wigs, respite trips, and family days out – small but powerful gestures that restore dignity, independence, and joy.

Our Commitment

Throughout the year, we will be championing Melanie’s Miles of Hope through fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and employee engagement initiatives. Every pound raised will help bring hope and relief to those in need, ensuring Mel’s legacy continues to touch lives.

We invite our colleagues, clients, and community to stand with us in honouring Mel’s unwavering spirit. Whether through donations, event participation, or simply spreading the word – every effort counts.

If you would like to donate to our Charity of the Year, you can visit our JustGiving page.

Visit the Melanie’s Miles of Hope Instagram page.

Award Winning Leeds Family Law Solicitors

At Consilia Legal, we've achieved numerous accolades and recognitions, whether as nominees, finalists, or winners of the prestigious Family Law Awards. We're also ranked 5th among the top 10 family law solicitors in Leeds City Centre on DIY Legals and in the top 5 best divorce lawyers in Leeds on Kev’s Best.

Our team of expert Leeds family solicitors is dedicated to securing the best outcomes for our clients. We're proud to have our highly regarded family law team featured in the esteemed Chambers and Partners publication as one of the top family/matrimonial teams in Leeds. Our excellent reputation extends throughout the Yorkshire region, and we're ready to represent you with your family law matter, wherever you are located.