Hello, my name is Courtney.

In just over two months, I will be facing a major legal hearing for employment that been on going for the pass 16 months. I’ve come this far, but I’m now at the hardest final hurdle and I’m struggling to get through.

I was unexpectedly and unfairly dismissed on New Year’s Day 2025 over the phone after a year of employment, with no clear reason given. This came at a time when I was actively raising concerns about equal pay and fair opportunity. Since then, everything has escalated into a major legal battle that I am now pursuing alone.

To reach this point, I’ve had to sell most of my belongings to survive and continue fighting. I’ve been representing myself throughout the entire process, writing over 30,000 words in preparation driven by both the grief of what I’ve experienced and the determination not to give up, so that things like this don’t happen to others this has affected me in more ways than one.

Alongside this, I’ve been doing everything I can to rebuild search for work, attending interviews, and trying to stay afloat. Unfortunately, not everything has gone to plan.

Right now, I’m in a very difficult position. I don’t have a strong support network around me. I’ve tried not to bring stress or worry to others but the reality is, I can’t do this final stretch alone. Any support, whether through a contribution or even a message, would mean a lot.

The respondent has taken an aggressive approach throughout this process. What began with HR escalated to one legal representation, and over time has grown into a team of highly experienced lawyers from one of the most expensive law firms in London—over 60 years of combined experience. Their approach has felt not only forceful, but at times intimidating, making it clear they intend to outlast me.

But I’m still here.

I am facing a company with far greater resources, legal power, and high profile backing from well known induvial making this an incredibly uneven fight, but one I am determined to see through.

This case involves serious issues, including discrimination based on my race and disability. Equal pay, Equal opportunity, Data protection, Whistle blowing, Health and safety and more During my time there, I suffered injuries to my neck and back while working, and was put in a situation where I could have fallen from height to my death. The physical and mental impact this has had on me. While it has also damaged my reputation.

I have also lost out on new job opportunities due to the lack of proper documentation from the respondent, leaving gaps in my employment history despite successfully passing interview stages.

Despite this, I have been denied free legal support for my discrimination case, as it has been deemed too large and too complex. This has left me to face everything alone.

There are also aspects of this case I cannot speak about publicly due to their sensitive nature. But what I can say is this:

People should not be allowed to treat, harass, or threaten others this way and walk away without accountability.

We are the heart of this city the workers, the creatives, the people trying to build something from nothing. No one should feel powerless, bullied, silenced, or alone when standing up for what is right.

I hope that by standing my ground, I can not only fight for myself but for others too. Since this process began, changes have already been made to their employment practices and health and safety procedures. I hope this encourages others to speak up, push back, and realise they are not alone we are stronger than we think.

This fundraiser will help me get through these last weeks:

I want to be in the best possible position mentally, physically, and emotionally when I walk into to the hearing.

I gave them every opportunity to resolve this fairly, but my concerns were undermined.

I will continue to keep everyone updated on the outcome and the journey along the way.

If you are able to support in any way, I would be truly grateful. Even sharing this page can make a difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and stand with me.

— Courtney B