Happy anniversary to us!

Thirteen years ago, I started Fightback4Justice with a simple but determined dream. I had just finished my law degree as a mature student and had come home on the night I was made redundant from my job at CAB Law (welfare benefits).

I had no real idea what the future would hold. I was recently separated, supporting a school-age daughter alone, now out of work, and stepping into the unknown. But I knew I wanted to speak out, to help others when they needed it most, and to share what I had learned. I started the page that very night and showed my good friend Dee, who became our very first like.

In that first year my friends rallied round in those early months, helping wherever they could. Caroline, Dee, Mel and Kaz are still here today, supporting.

My daughter Chloe came to “help out for a few days” in the early days, bringing her small son Fightback George with her. She never left, and soon became an integral part of the team, which has now grown. Joined over the years by more family, friends and friends of friends we grew to the Fightback you know today. 

From the start, this work was built on encouragement, belief, and sacrifice from partners and close family, who stood by us through long hours and hard days. My youngest spent evenings doing cartwheels in the office corridors. Later, grandchildren, and pets became part of office life out of hours as demand for our time grew. 

What began as my dream quickly became a calling for all team members, all related, recommended, or long-standing friends. It takes a special kind of person to do this work with compassion and integrity, and I thank every one of them, often giving up what spare time they have. Thankyou to the entire Fightback family for your hard work. 

Most importantly, I want to thank our followers, service users, and VIP members. We would not be here without you.

Fightback4Justice has always been unfunded and impartial. Thirteen years ago, the idea of a “pay it forward” model was laughed at, yet here we are.

Thank you to everyone who believed in us, trusted us, and stood beside us as we grew. 

Thirteen years on, we are still here, still independent, and still fighting back…together.

Michelle (founder)