Our LEGAL TEAM
Members of our team have been successfully representing cyclists since 1988 and the concept of ‘more people cycling, more safely, more often’ is one which has been supported with enthusiasm since the creation of the first Cycling Demonstration Towns.
- Over 30 years representing cyclists
- Our team are cyclists themselves
- Members of our team are trained in accident investigation and reconstruction techniques and also include ex-traffic police
- We operate a 24/7 Freephone helpline 0808 100 999 5
- We handle unusual cases and have the expertise and experience to win them.
- We provide access to medical assistance and physiotherapy to get you back on your bike
- We can recover all other losses including loss of earnings
- We have a network of specialists who conduct forensic investigation and analysis on behalf of our clients to strengthen their claim.
Paul Darlington
Consultant Solicitor
Paul has been a cyclist for over 50 years during which he’s qualified as a solicitor and achieved Law Society Personal Injury Panel accreditation.
He founded what has become Cycle-SOS, The Cyclists’ National Helpline, over 30 years ago. Since, he has helped hundreds of cyclist clients win million pounds in compensation in some high profile and robustly contested actions, often as a second solicitor when the first had given up.
A member of Cycling UK, British Cycling and an accredited Bikeability instructor, Paul keeps up-to-date with current issues in highway safety through access to the resources of the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators, which he is also affiliated with.
Recovery and rehab following a spinal fracture/dislocation has left Paul with a particular empathy for injured cyclists.
Lena Farnell
Legal Team Leader
Lena has been with us for almost 25 years and worked her way through the ranks to become a Team Manager 8 years ago. She has grown up around bikes and therefore understands the typical thought processes and habits of a serious cyclist.
Lena prides herself on her problem-solving skills and her efficient way of working. She enjoys securing a good result for her customers, particularly on complex cases which require genuine attention to detail.
Added to this, Lena is passionate about strength and fitness. She has competed at both national and international levels at CrossFit, winning an incredible 14th place in her age division in 2021.
Richard Atherton
Solicitor
Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a solicitor in February 2014. He has been a team manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.
Richard prides himself in his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.
Away from work, Richard enjoys sport, he is a season ticket holder at St Helens rugby club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play gold as often as he can.
Diane Holderness
Litigation Executive
Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our cycle department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.
Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.
Diane believes that happy customers make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.
Dave Gardner
Litigation Executive
Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling claim cases during his career.
Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself in being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damaged are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients.
One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitles to had the client not approached Dave.
He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.
Nina Haddock
Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.
One case Nina is particularly proud of, is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.
