Annabelle Bridges, Tax Senior at Price Bailey LLP, graduated in 2017 in BA (Hons) Accounting &聽Finance. In the early months of her career, while聽settling into a graduate role at Grant Thornton, Annabelle faced significant health challenges. She suffered a spinal cord injury, which left her paralysed from the waist down for several months. This was quickly followed by a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Undeterred, Annabelle has used this adversity to make a positive impact and to raise awareness of disabilities, both in and outside of her workplace, by sharing her lived experience. Annabelle has inspired many people with her determination and positive attitude and the ways she has overcome challenges with her health. While聽at Grant Thornton, she completed an eighteen-month, part-time secondment to the聽inclusion and diversity team.
In this position, Annabelle played a key role in evaluating the company鈥檚 support around disability, medical conditions and mental health. She was also an active member of the firm鈥檚 disability working group, as well as co-chair of the firm鈥檚 disability awareness network.聽
Annabelle is currently a volunteer and trustee for MS Together. MS Together is a charity that exists to provide advice and support to people affected by MS, with a particular focus on those aged 18-35 living with MS in the UK. Annabelle also volunteers with the MS Society, where she is part of their equality, diversity and inclusion reference group, which supports the charity to act in an inclusive way. Annabelle was recognised with an Impact Award in 2023 from the MS Society for her contributions to this group.
The Alumni of the Year Award judging panel likewise recognised Annabelle as an inspiration. They commented: 鈥淲e commend Annabelle for being able to take such shocking news in her stride and to turn her adversity into something so worthwhile. Her drive and determination are evident in what she has achieved and what she does to support others in a similar position. She offers a great example of someone who carries out work to enrich society and enhance inclusivity beyond her job role.鈥�
Receiving the award, Annabelle replied: 鈥淚 am honoured to have been recognised with the Enriching Society Alumni Award 2024.聽
鈥淚 have been very fortunate to work alongside fantastic change makers in the inclusion and diversity space and it is great to have been recognised for my contributions to this area.聽If we all do our bit, by working together and through active allyship, I believe we can collectively make a real difference towards having a truly inclusive society. I hope to continue to keep taking steps to work towards enriching society, specifically regarding disability inclusion and advocacy.聽
鈥淢y time at 蜜桃AV has prepared me for so many different aspects of my career from technical knowledge learned from my degree to soft skills such as networking and working with others. As well as preparing me well for my career, it has also left me with lifelong friendships and many fond memories.鈥�