When Bill Shaw MBE and his family arrived back in the UK, among the welcoming party at Heathrow Airport was Edwards Harvey’s managing director Pip Clarkson (pictured with the Shaw family, third from left).

Following Bill’s wrongful imprisonment on April 26, Edwards Harvey organised the ‘Free Bill Shaw’ media campaign on behalf of the Shaw family, to raise awareness of Bill’s plight and to gain public support.

Media relations included TV, radio, newspaper and digital channels which swiftly gained a worldwide audience.

Key broadcast coverage was uploaded to YouTube, and Facebook / Twitter followers were given regular updates.

Additional activity enlisted the support of Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, who raised Bill’s case in the House of Commons; an online petition which was handed to Downing Street; and a campaign leaflet distributed at key sporting events, shopping centres, pubs, and used for an online viral campaign across the globe.

Thankfully, the campaign delivered a happy ending as Bill was acquitted on July 4 - the media played a large part in raising awareness of the case which undoubtedly added to the pressure for justice to be done.

Pip said: “It was very clear from the outset that Bill was innocent but our job was to convince the media, the public and government. So we created considerable interest in Bill’s case, with journalists becoming the watchdogs of the judicial proceedings in Afghanistan, informing a public eager for the latest news.

“Bill’s wife, Liz, and daughter Lisa, were passionate and determined to secure Bill’s release. Therefore, it was important we guided their media interviews, guarded their interests and counselled them every step of the way. For us it has been a privilege to help free Bill from the appalling ordeal he has suffered.”

Press enquiries: please contact Pip Clarkson at Edwards Harvey

01622 604600 or 0775 9088 297

pip.clarkson@edwardsharvey.com