Apparently Parish&Bell was gone under in 2008. In my case they did not notify they would not be able to continue my treatment, modify my orthotics, or refund me.
My intention now is to really know what happened and to contact as many people as possible to see if all of us together could do something to get our money back and to investigate if there were irregularities in this company, and, in that case, try to make a formal complaint in relevant sites and media.
The most surprising thing to me is how a company that gets thousands of pounds for something that should be very cheap for them and only a 2% of the people claimed for refund, goes to bankrupt.
Additionally, the 98% success rate calculation was calculated considering the number of people that did not ask for refund, not the number of people that had their problem solved. They were told by ASA (not just recommended) to remove that success rate from their newspaper adds.
http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/Public/TF_ADJ_43935.htm).
They actually did not remove it but substituted it by a 90% using the same missleading method. And, amazingly they did not change it in the website!!
Finally, P&B claimed their orthotics would last a life-time. Well, mine are already quite deteriorated after 2 years of normal use and non-sport (because I can´t).
I would like to insist that by now there is probably no evidence for something illegal. Their adverts are very misleading IMHO, but wether that is illegal should be considered by a court in case we decided to do something. I would encourage everybody visiting this site to make polite comments, not accusing anyone without being able to probe it.
If you are happy to collaborate telling your case please just leave a post. I should be able, as administrator of this blog, to contact you by email if necessary. It would be nice to have a list of affected people (either patients or profesionals) in order to communicate between us easily and try to think what can be done to recover our money and, in case there was something wrong with the company, avoid this happening again to other people.
You can also visit other websites:
http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=25175
http://heelspurs.com/cgi-bin/_search.cgi?a=yes&n=new&keyword=parish+and+bell
http://whatconsumer.co.uk/forum/other-goods-services/3365-parish-bell.html#post6771
Have you been affected by Parish&Bell bankrupt? 
March 30, 2009 at 6:49 pm |
Hi there, I also paid Parish & Bell £1760 for three pairs of orthotics. To cut long story short, when I tried to call them to book an appointment for adjustment I found out they have gone into liquidation. I am now trying to get money back from my credit card company. What a disaster and I am of course still in pain with no solution in sight!
March 30, 2009 at 9:57 pm |
I have experienced something similar to u too – am soooo angry with P&B and have already left a note on the podiatry forum. Please do let me know if anything legal progresses, I am deaf by the way.
Tyron
March 30, 2009 at 11:14 pm |
Katarina and Tyron
Thanks to leave a message. I already have your email addresses. I hope in a few weeks there we will have more email contacts so we can start deciding what can be done. I believe there must be many people affected. The problem is to contact them all so that we can be stronger.
Keep in touch
April 3, 2009 at 7:58 pm |
I’m another P&B victim and only discovered they had gone into liquidation this morning. I’m currently seeking a refund via my credit card company.
April 7, 2009 at 12:47 am |
I am another embarrassed P&B patient who invested £2,340 GB pounds in 4 sets of orthotics in July 2008. The P&B consultant Janet Cain sold me the following:
Action Track for walking trainers recommended for wearing for at least 80% of the time for the first couple of months
Classic for my formal work shoes
Comfort for my casual shoes
and Golf for my golf shoes
I was advised that a single orthotic was not available to cover all shoe types and that to hasten the healing process all shoes that I wear should have a suitable orthotic fitted. As I was becoming desperate and was guaranteed success or my money back I bought the 4 types. The pain has not improved and the golf shoe orthotics have never been taken out of their wrapper.
Am I one of the unfortunate 2% of failures?
April 7, 2009 at 9:18 am |
Hi Jon, you probably know by now that 2% failure rate was measured by the people who claimed the money back, which can be quite missleading (see the post).
I have seen many comments from affected people in other websites. Lets see if we can contact together in a few weeks and do something.
Best
April 7, 2009 at 10:39 am |
My partner and I both bought two pairs of orthotics each, costing us £2440. We only found out yesterday after weeks of trying to contact them for adjustments. We paid via debit card so I don’t think we have any recourse. We have also left a note on the podiatry forum.
April 7, 2009 at 11:09 am |
B@A, I also paid by debit card.
There are many people who left a message in Podiatry Arena and other websites. Unfortunately, it is not possible to get their email contats from there unless the administrators provided them (I tried but no answer, which I understand). Lets hope people see this site so we can collect emails and do something (by the way if you all leave any other message in other websites, it would be useful to mention this website). If we were a few, at least we could write a quite convincing letter describing the problem and send it to several newspapers. The more we are the better.
May 22, 2009 at 11:33 am |
Hi,
I am following up my earlier email of April 7 to ask if any one has been able to obtain an independent report from a Podiatrist or other expert in the field of orthotics that generally condemns P&B to enable me to progress my claim for a refund from the credit card company?
June 1, 2009 at 8:42 pm |
I contacted Parish and Bell in April 2008 having become aware of the company through newspaper advertisements. I was desperate for some help to cure my chronic heel pain and the advertisements promised fantastic results, with a money back guarantee. I paid £1740 for what I understood was treatment and prescribed three pairs of insoles (trainers, comfort and work shoe).
Following my initial treatment I had several further appointments resulting in five alterations to the insoles. I am still in agony. I want my full money back as promised or the problem cured. I would not have paid so much money if there had not been a money back guarantee.
In January 2009 my appointment was cancelled, apparently due to Les Bailey being ill. I have left several messages since this time for Les via email and phone. I am very angry that no-one had the courtesy to contact me to inform about the company’s liquidation. I thought that I had paid for treatment, not just the insoles as Les Bailey has adjusted my back twice. As I have been treated for a medical condition surely I am entitled to my full refund as I have had over four adjustments to the insoles.
If you are reading this Les then please can you contact me. You have my contact telephone number and email address. I am still unable to work whilst having a large mortgage to pay and other financial commitments. The £1740 you owe me would be a great help!!
Alex Hatala
June 1, 2009 at 9:22 pm |
Hi Alex, this is also what I paid… for nothing.
Unfortunaltely not many people is leaving a message here so that we can make a strong group. I will wait a few more months and then decide what to do.
Best
June 2, 2009 at 11:13 am |
hi riskot, they probably don’t know what has happen like i didn’t.
perhaps we should contact (the one show) and (watchdog) about it?
can you post my earlier message onto the podiatry arena for me?
i don’t know how to do it.
thanks.
alex
June 4, 2009 at 11:15 am |
Hi,
2,700 euros spent on 3 pairs of Orthotics that have never worked. Been altered twice, once because they had the raise on the wrong side which caused me great pain.
Would be happy to volunteer full information if needed.
And God help Les Bailey and that Matthew Robinson should I ever be lucky enough to see them. They’ll need more than orthotics.
June 4, 2009 at 12:40 pm |
Paul 😉
That´s great, we are 9 people already leaving their data here. I am going to leave a few comments about this in several webs again to see if we can recruit more people. I am sure something can be done we we join efferts.
Best
June 4, 2009 at 6:06 pm |
Visited Parish and Bell in 2003 and bought 3 pairs of orthotics for about £800 – went back at least 4 times and each time I was more convinced that Les Bailey had little knowledge of how to help me ,in the end I gave up and am still in pain although I have at last found a podiatrist who has a good biomechanical knowledge. I am horrified at the stories told and would at least hope to stop Les Bailey setting up again to take large sums of money from desparate people – the man is clearly a crook.
June 9, 2009 at 2:14 pm |
Hi Guys
Have you read the Daily Mail today 9th June 2009, Mr Les Bailey has started up another foot clinic http://www.foot-pain-pioneers.co.uk not a million miles away from the old P&B clinic and still offering the “miracle cure” or guaranteed full money refund. Shall we all give him a visit????
June 9, 2009 at 3:32 pm |
Spread the word – Les Bailey has set up again selling orthotics – details on Podiatry Forum- now we must do something to warn others.
June 9, 2009 at 4:47 pm |
Jon, this is unbelievable.
Are we sure this is Les Bailey´s clinic?
Do you have that news paper? If so, could you let me know the link, or perhaps scan the page to publish it here and to show it in other websites? We need to be really sure before doing anything, although, indeed, this is the same style than the previous clinic.
June 10, 2009 at 8:44 am |
Riskot
How does one insert or attach a document here? The advertisement is attached as a pdf document to a comment on the Podiatry Arena forum in reply No 5 from Ian. (www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=31533) The advertisement appeared in the Daily Mail yesterday 9th June 2009 under their health section.
June 10, 2009 at 3:32 pm |
Hi,
Rang the new clinic and asked for a talk with Mr Bailey. Was told he doesn’t work in the office and I said I was hoping for a consultation – was then asked ” have you ever seen Les Bailey before ” – when I said no there was a whispered conversation and then I just laughed and hung up. I have sent them a mail, asking for a refund from Mr Bailey. I told them I would prefer them to do it by post to save me having a ” face to face ” appointment.
If anyone would like to arrange a march to the clinic, count me in.
June 10, 2009 at 5:14 pm |
Paul
Excelent!! 😉
The march is a brilliant idea (non-violent, of course)
We should contact local press before doing it to make a stronger impact.
I would suggest everybody to write an email to the new company asking for refund. They will probaby not even answer, considering how the proceeded before, not sending even an email to communicate the bankrupt and leaving us with our problems unsolved and without out money.
Once we have a few answers from them (or none at all) we could organise the march in this site and mention it in all other websites.
Again, excellet, Paul!
Jon:
You cannot place a file here unless you are the administrator, and I don´t know how to change that. I will place the pdf from daily mirror.
Best
June 10, 2009 at 11:21 pm |
I am afraid that a march is the last thing I could do with my feet !!
June 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm |
I’ve emailed Les yesterday for my refund.
no reply yet.
Can anyone send me the ad from the paper please?
I missed it.
June 12, 2009 at 12:06 pm |
Hi, I believe I was one of the first people to contact podiatry arena about this bloody awful man. I spent £750 on pair of orthotics,(advised me to have a another pair, but told him could not afford it). I was told I had pronating foot and dropped arches by Mr Paul Williams (I do not have either of these conditions), just good old painful plantar fasciitis. Cutting long story short, I was due to have 2nd ‘alteration’ and my appointment was cancelled because Les Bailey was allegedly ill. This was in Jan 09, and I then spent 3 weeks trying to contact clinic, but by then it had been closed. I contacted a orthopaedic guy who has a shoe shop in Carshalton (he used to do P&B alterations, but because he was so inundated with incorrect orthotics and was not being paid, he returned them all to Les. He told me Les is one big conman and his phone has not stopped ringing since people have not been able to get incontact with P&B). I am now under Kings College Hospital and making a bit of progress. However, I am still sooo angry about losing this money. I was told the orthotics he had prescribed me were worthless and not suitable for my feet and to stop wearing them immediately (I was in a lot of pain wearing them, and to think they told me to wear them for 12 weeks in trainers, which I did, and when I rang P&B to say I was in so much pain with them, they said I should NOT be wearing them in trainers, but I even had a letter saying I must wear them in trainers). OH dear, I am going on, but I am even more livid to find the new clinic is up and running under Foot Pain Pioneers. I rang them today and asked to speak to Les Bailey, and they told me he wasn’t there. I explained I was an ex patient of P&B and would like my money back! I asked the girl on the phone if she knew about Les Bailey’s past history and the number of websites, complaints etc and she said yes she was aware and promptly gave me the phone number of the ADministrators, Mark Bloom. She told me he is not a director, but an employee, and I said ‘well, you will probably receive a lot of bad publicity and no business when people find out Les Bailey is involved’. She just replied ‘mmm, I will tell the owner’. I asked her who the owner of the business was and she said she couldn’t tell me. He may not be down on Company House as a Director, but you can bet your bottom dollar, the great buffed up baboon would not be a ‘mere employee’. I am now going to contact the Daily Mail. I have written to watchdog twice and given them podiatry arena’s website to see all the other comments people have made. I am up for a visit to the new place. Count me in
June 14, 2009 at 5:15 pm |
I recieved 3 pairs from P and B follwed by 2 adjustments, still not right I paid over £1700. I was shocked when they went under.
June 16, 2009 at 10:41 am |
Ubelievable! Cannot believe he set up again, I am certain it’s the old P & B clinic, some comments on the new website are almost word for word.
July 2, 2009 at 10:56 pm |
I had a ‘free’ consultation with Les Bailey last August ’08 in which he told me about his wonderful business, received and replied to 4 texts from his other workers (he said), and spent very little time considering my case. The balls of my feet are very sore, and I’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy (where the soles of my feet feel as if they’re burning – most of the time). Les said that this could well be another form of plantar fasciitis, and prescribed me 4 pairs of insoles at £600 each! As he gave the money back guarantee and I was in such pain, I went ahead. Fortunately I saw a neurologist who prescribed pain killers which help the burning pain greatly, but which don’t have any affect on the ‘sore balls’ I get when I walk. I’m still trying to ‘work in’ the 4 pairs of insoles, and although they help the ‘sore balls’ a bit, they are nowhere near as comfortable as a pair I have from another podiatrist at £100. I’m really pleased that someone is trying to prevent others from being taken in by this rogue who appears to have delusions of greatness.
September 6, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
My wife paid £1200 for two pairs – After4 visits the pain was still there and we are now seeing a specialist. He has advised us that she has Tarsul Tunnel Syndrome and the insoles were useless. As we are both over 65 the money lost is a great blow to us and we would appreciate if you could help us in getting this money back
regards
September 6, 2009 at 11:24 pm |
Dear Martin
I am very sorry to hear that. I spent 2700 pounds for nothing.
This web wil not help you to get your money back, at least directly, but it is one of the websites that collect people with similar problems. As far as I know there have been 2 TV programs where the complaints have been explained. If you paid by credit card I thik there are good chances of getting your money back from your bank, but if you paid cash or debit card, it is more difficult. I really don’t know the way, if any.
September 7, 2009 at 8:05 am |
I visited Newcastle and was advised to order 4 pair. I gave a cheque for over £1700. However after several weeks it was clear that there was no relief from the pain (which I made clear during my visit ) Following two further appointments the last one with Les, led to a second adjustment to the same pair of the orthotics. I received the second adjustment about 6 weeks before P & B went bust. During My second visit Les stated that they may have make 5 or 6 adjustments to achieve success. The adjustment made no difference. I have given up using them and recently had a pair made by a podiatrist.
October 8, 2009 at 10:59 am |
Good day everybody,have only just come across this site via Podiatry Forum,I alerted the site when I spotted the advert for Les Baileys new scam Foot Pain Pioneers.It works exactly the same way as Parish and Bell
with all the same promises.
My wife was caught for £1700 for custom made orthotics and he only showed any interest in putting correct when I contacted a health reporter in one of National newspapers magazines who had written an article praising him,his attitude changed after her intervention.Sadly he was still
getting amendments four had been made and his promise of getting the
problem solved disappeared with the money.
My wife still suffers and will be interested in anything that may help others not to scammed.
November 14, 2009 at 10:10 am |
Just found out news today when trying to phone to get repair for worn out orthotics. Can’t afford to spend this amount as I was also trying to find out why my pain was coming back in a big way, expecting to end up asking for refund. Still shell-shocked and considering action.
November 14, 2009 at 11:46 am |
Lorraine
Sorry that you just found out,it is an ever increasing club the people scammed by Mr les bailey.I guess you have read he has reopened at a different site with the same promises.If you can think of any action to take then would be interested in hearing.
December 2, 2009 at 11:10 am |
I also like Lorraine have only just found out today. I came onto the net to look up the telephone number as my orthotics are in bad need of repair. I bought two pair costing £1200, was so shocked at the cost but was desperate to be able to rid of the pain as it was affecting my work, was told that they would last 2-3yrs then need repaired at cost of £57 per pair. I thought I had nothing better to do than call them up and arrange to get them repaired. I unlike many of you had a bit more success my orthotics worked for me but I must say i cannot live without them as the pain does come back if not worn for one day. Now I am very upset at this news as I am dreading going back to the pain and suffering. I wish you guys good luck in getting your money back, if I new then what I know now I would have thought twice about handing over that kind of money. If anyone hears of a great cure then please let us all know.
December 6, 2009 at 6:55 pm |
Hi Angela,
You may be able to have your orthotics tops replaced by another podiatrist. I know there are 2 different clinics that produce orthotics in the same way as Parish & Bell (they scan your feet & then send your details to the States etc). One is called Healthy feet Axminster Chiropody, based in Axminster, Devon and the other one is called the Fane foot orthotics clinic in Peterborough. I don’t know if they will be able to replace the tops as they don’t have your details on their system but it may be worth to give them a call. You can find them both on Google. Hope this helps. I had to have new orthotics made at the Axminster Chiropody place so let’s hope they last, unlike P & B!!!
January 29, 2010 at 11:50 am |
Hi,
I also bought 4 pairs of orthotics inMarch 2006 and the story is the same – no cure and back for 2 re-adjustments and told will need 4 before I can get my money back and have only just found out that they are in liquidation.
January 29, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
Siew, welcome to the club (sorry for the sarcasm). I guess you know the guy has open another clinic with the same phylosophy. Sounds great, I can’t wait to buy some more of their stuff…
February 4, 2010 at 6:03 pm |
hi,
The one show was interested in running the story on tv but no one got in touch with me, or them so now they are not.
February 5, 2010 at 10:35 am |
Hi Guys
Some good news for me and those who bought using a credit card. After a long and drawn out process I have finally received from my credit card company a full rerfund of £2340.00. I spent this on 4 pairs of orthotics from Parish & Bell described in an independent report from an expert in the field of orthotics as not fit for the purpose.
February 5, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
Good Morning Jon
Well done,I have been contemplating a claim but was initially informed my wife’s were purchased to long ago.Could you please give me a time scale you were sucessful with and I can then set ball in motion.
I still get annoyed when I think of this and our laws allow him to set up again doing the same thing.See he now has offices all over country in new companies name.
Regards
bill Holmes
February 5, 2010 at 1:41 pm |
Hi Bill
I bought my orthotics in July 2008.
I understand that under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (Section 75) the law of limitations says that a claim cannot be made after a period of 6 years. However it is generally recognised that this period is from when one first becomes aware of a problem and not when the transaction was first made.
I trust this helps and good luck with your claim.
February 5, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
Thanks Jon….will have a go.
Bill
February 6, 2010 at 2:40 pm |
Has anyone approached the new clinic Les Bailey has set up? In my previous post last year I mentioned that I had rung them. Am still in chronic pain and now under NHS, but it is so slow for appointments. Been waiting nearly 3 months just for physio. Grrrrrhhh. Have had to give up my job as unable to be on my feet for any length of time. I now have (according to Podiatrist), a number of things wrong with my feet i.e. Plantar Fascitis/Achilles Tendonitis/Flexor Hallucis Longus problems, and it has all left me so depressed. I am a ‘young’ 50 who was full of life, had a good job and very sociable. I am now on benefits, and just can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel regarding my feet. I am due to see Orthotics Dept at end of February 2010, but not actually seeing the Consultant until April 2010, so know I’ve got at least another 4 months of this awful pain. I have done stretches and tried every over the counter product there is. Spent fortune on different types of shoes/boots, but nothing helps at all.
February 12, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
Hi Guys,
Did you see the advert in the Sun yesterday advertising Mr Bailey’s book and yet another clinic website. http://www.thecliniconline.co.uk
The cheeky so & so is also now on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodmansterne-Banstead-Surrey/Dr-Les-Bailey-At-The-Clinic/347075760096?v=wall#!
February 13, 2010 at 6:14 pm |
Hi
Can anyone check that Facebook link? I was on the page earlier and posted a nmessage about how he’s a fraudster, and gaver a link to this page : )
Tried to see did anyone comment just now and page doesn’t seem to be loading on my or gf’s log ins.
Maybe he’s withdrawn the page as the 110 “fans ” would have been notified of the comment immediately : )
February 13, 2010 at 6:53 pm |
This is incredible. How is it possible British law allows something like this?
A guy making bussiness after leaving people abandoned without a single explanation. In my view we are already a few of us, and I think we should, at least write a letter signed by all of us to a relevant place, perhaps newspaper, costumer defense organisation, or even a lawyer to see if something can be done. Any idea?
February 14, 2010 at 12:05 am |
I have just sent the following email to his new clinic.
As you are so successful, perhaps Mr Bailey might like to reimburse me the money I paid for totally useless orthotics that cost me £750? Please contact me and I will give you my bank details
Thanking you in anticipation
Mrs J Bailey
p.s. Have you read Podiatry Arena posts
p.p.s. I believe the BBC are planning a visit to speak to Mr Bailey (via wordpress.com)
March 2, 2010 at 2:27 pm |
I guess i’m more fortunate than most of you guys. I bought 3 pairs of insoles for £1600 seven years ago, which i could barely afford, but how could i lose with a money back guarantee. Recently my problem has come back with a vengence, i’m in so much pain starting at my heals aching knees, back and constant headaches. I’m grouchy all the time and has just found out about Parish and Bell going under.
I am not inpressed. Just made an appointment with my local Podiatrist, i wonder how much thai will cost.
May 13, 2010 at 7:57 pm |
Les Bailey’s new clinic is next to the church car park in the small village of Woodmansterne, Banstead, Surrey.
June 1, 2010 at 1:17 pm |
Mr Bailey has set up in 13 Woodmansterne Street, SM7 3NW and has just asked my retired mother to pay over £1600 for two sets. Thankfully my father stepped in (excuse the pun) and cancelled the order. They were then told by a friend NOT to go to this man as he has conned many others out of money for treatment that did not work.
June 7, 2010 at 10:50 pm |
I too went to parish and bell. i suffer from foot pain and through the years have tried many remedies to no avail. I had parish and bell in ‘my favourites’ for more than 2 years. After failing with so many remedies i doubted Parish and bell but finally paid them a vist. 98% success rate – Wow, got to try even if it took me 2 years. Alas my doubts proved to be correct. I forked out £1340 for 2 pairs and gave it 3 months to see if I got better. No joy. I went back for adjustments but you cant kill a dead horse!! I would of paid Parish 3 times the money they asked if just to make the pain go away. well i guess they just make money out of other peoples misery. i was highly active on my feet till march 1999 and then woke that morning to find that my feet had ‘packed up’. Good for Parish that they made there money. I’m in to much pain to bother with chasing them up or looking for yet another remedy. I’m a semi cripple but I still manage. HooHaa
June 30, 2010 at 6:04 pm |
Just to let you guys know, I had an appointement with a company for tomorrow promising me pain free feet. I have cancelled the appt following some research and reading your stories.
But your friend Dr Les Bailey has resurfaced under a new comapny called The Clinic (apparentaly he is an “independant practitioner” for The Clinic, but should anybody want a face to face with him make an appointement with him as a new patient and go have a “chat” with him
call him on 0845 5201950 or 0191 469 1431 and make an appointement with his very pleasant secretary
good luck all
July 1, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
Good morning all
Just for the interest of all Dr(?) Les Bailey is now trading online……see all
his usual nonsense on …thecliniconline.co.uk.
I really cannot beleive that he can get away with this.
July 23, 2010 at 5:36 pm |
3 members of my family have been to P&B for insole’s my farther inlaw paid £1705, my brother inlaw paid £2225 and my partner paid £1565, they all went together and in total paid £5475.
now we are trying to get intouch them we have found out that they are not around any more and i have been trying to trace them but with no luck i have been contacting different people and have heard many stories, but to be honest i dont care what happen to the company or for what reasons, all i am concerned about if that this issue can be sorted either by ajusting my familys insoles or giving us our money back as at the moment we feel angrey and feel used. its not right we had to work hadrd to get the money for 3 of them to have them still not sorted years down the line. it is starting to affect life such as work, social life ect so as you will understand we are very angrey about the situation.
July 24, 2010 at 9:58 am |
Hi Lou,
Sorry to read your story and how he caught three members of your family
but sadly I think you are just another member of a growing club that has parted with good money and been let down.
He has opened new clinics offering the same but has ignored any of his old and now forgotten customers,he has washed his hands.Can suggest that if you paid by credit card you could try and reclaim money that way I do beleive a
couple of people were succesful,sadly I was not one of them as no longer a customer of the card I used.We have been treated very poorly by this man and it is a sad indictment on the law of this country when he can walk
away and start again the next day with a clean slate and using the same pattern to catch more people who are suffering and will do anything for the possibilty of relief….we have all been there.
Can offer no easy answer.
August 6, 2010 at 4:54 pm |
this is all new news to me! just finding this out as i too need my 2 and a half year old insoles repaired and the pains returning! i`m 27 and back working part time and finding that difficault as i`m a bar maid now serving with clenched teeth rather than a smile!
August 6, 2010 at 5:43 pm |
Hi Marie
I am sorry to hear that. We all had that face for a while!;)
As has been mentioned several times, if you paid by credit card you might have some chances to recover your money.
Otherwise, perhaps, at some point we will be a large group to try to make a more serious movement, rather then just telling our cases in a blog. By the moment it is not the case. We are just about 30-40 people complaining here. I simply cannot believe there are not many more unhappy-willing to fight people, but the question is how to find them. Ideas are welcome.
Best
August 11, 2010 at 2:05 pm |
Hi all,
I went to my first appt at the clinic yesterday. My father purchased the book which was advertised and I thought,”this is it” my chance to get rid of the pain. I was told the consultation would be an hour but it only took 20 mins, he wasn’t very thorough and gave me a price of £1670 for 3 different orthotics. I am a single mum with 2 children and knew I wouldn’t be able to afford this. It just so happened that in the afternoon on the same day I had an orthotic/podiatry appt at my local hospital and they were marvelous, so thorough and went through everything, gave me exercises to help, they gave me accupuncture the same afternoon and I am going back today for insoles and again next week to continue with the accupuncture. When I told Les Bailey I was going to my local hospital, he told me not to bother and I am so glad that I did. This man needs to be stopped, its wrong and unfair to people who are in pain and suffering.
August 11, 2010 at 2:09 pm |
Good for you. I am very happy for you! Best
August 13, 2010 at 11:30 am |
marie j – we were just as supprised as you were when we found out as we only found out the week i posted my comment, what had happend to the company. my family are having the same problem as you ( they need ajustments doing and have no were to turn) i think it is terrible how this problem affects your life, as even going to the shop can be deversatingly painfull and i think it is discusting how someone can find it a “good Idea” to rip you off over something you believe is a answer to your pain problems.
August 13, 2010 at 3:55 pm |
It is only when something like this happens you really find out how many
people suffer from this problem and how life affecting it can be and how awful that someone can prey upon peoples misery and take there money on
false promises.
I wish there was an answer and help for all.
August 13, 2010 at 5:14 pm |
Bill: actually I am surprised of the limited number of people leaving testimony here (40-50) or somewhere else, after almost 2 years since P&B went under. I wonder why. With these numbers we go nowhere because they actually suggest that most of the people were happy, perhaps cured, and/or they understand there is no reason to complain about the company (meaning any company could go to bankrupt and emerge again with no responsibilities from their past). Hard to believe, but I don’t like to make conclusions without full knowledge. My only hope was hundreds of people complaining but we are far from that, to my knowledge.
Best
August 14, 2010 at 9:42 am |
Riskot,hi
I was talking in general about the number of sufferers not just those affected by P&B,although the fact that two years on there are still people
who he took money from and only just now realising that there is no back up either for repairs or further treatment is real.Also I do beleive that there
are alot more out there who are still suffering and just gave up on his false promises for a variety of reasons and looked for alternative help.
We are in a no win situation he can continue as he is lawfully but
certainly not morally and if there are only 50 affected it is still 50 too many.
October 8, 2010 at 12:27 pm |
I Have been looking at newspaper adverts for 2 years trying to find out if P &B have started up again and it is just today I have seen their advert in the Sun newspaper which led me to this website. My story is the same as so many people, I spent £1215 on 2 pair of orthotics, one pair I can not get my foot into the shoe they were supposedly designed for,I made several attempts to make an appointment for adjustments with no avail.To start I was told the person to do the adjustments was unwell or unable to do adjustments on that week,then there was no reply to my phone calls or e-mails. I am sure I am not the only one who has not realised that P&B have started up again under the name of The Clinic.I wonder if Jimmy White who has his name used on both advertisments realises how many people have been coned by Les Bailey.Has anybody any surgestions on how we can let more people know what this man is doing? I will get in touch with Age Concern to see if they can help in anyway
October 25, 2010 at 8:15 pm |
I am most upset to see that Les Bailey is again placing what must be very expensve adverts in National Newspapers using the same old claims with a money back guarantee(pause for laughter) but now with the added Dr. title. Perhaps we could get him struck off if this is a genuine medical title. Like many others I spent £2085 on a set of three orthotics in 2006 and should have smelt a rat when they arrived without the heel indent and had to be immediately returned. However these people have the advantage over those of us in pain who will spend what it takes for a cure. Needlees to say, no relief was gained and after a futher three adjusments leaving the orthortics no where like the originals (so much for the magic laser scanner). A further visit when I was ready to ask for my money back saw me conned into spending a further £150 on useless medications by what appeared to me a now desperate Les by then obviously knowing the screws were tightening. How could I have been so stupid? Shortly before the crash finally came. I have registered my claim with the liquidators but having received the Statement of Affairs and a creditors list, will be lucky to ge back the price of a pair of shoe laces. I hope the latest spate of adverts will encourage more people to write. Best wishes
November 13, 2010 at 3:15 pm |
I too have been both financially and physical damaged by P and B.
Is it too late to contact you? I have only just come upon your site.
November 13, 2010 at 4:39 pm |
I too have been both financially and physically damaged by Parish and Bell,
unable to obtain follow up treatment.
Does any one have the answer?
Where do I go from here?
November 13, 2010 at 10:18 pm |
Hi Joan, we are too few people (40 aprox) reporting their problem here. I don’t think we are enough to do anything yet. So you are not late.
November 13, 2010 at 10:20 pm |
The only way I am aware of to get your money back is to check if you paid by credit card. If you did, talk to your bank.
February 25, 2011 at 4:08 pm |
I am glad someone is trying to do something about Les Bailey. Another advert with his picture this week.
November 13th 2008 I saw mr Bailey at his clinic in Coventry. I ordered three pairs of orthotics as suggested by Mr Bailey, and also paid for them. At the beginning of 2009 I ttried to make an Appointment for them to be modified, but I was told that Parish and Bell had gone bankrupt. Wasted money and orthotics remain in my cupboard and I am still suffering from bad feet.
March 11, 2011 at 10:00 pm |
ahh , more people who are in the same situation as me ! i too fell for the sales talk and the buy a second pair pressure , oh and the ajustment for life guarantee , yes guarantee !! £1200 my pairs cost me and the advice given didnt exactly help me so keep me informed of any developments and i will assist in any way i can !
March 18, 2011 at 7:13 pm |
Many, many thanks to you all. I had a consultation this week and was asked to spend £1800. I was not happy with his un-professional approach so didn’t commit but came home and googled.
Thank you all for ‘saving’ me!! I wish you all the very best of luck – too many of these people get away with it.
May 5, 2011 at 5:47 am |
Hi, a member of my family has just paid well over £2000+ for 3 pairs of authotics. When I found out I went mad, I feel Les Bailey conned them into paying this money out because they were suffering problems with their feet and this was the solution. I feel really bad having to point out this thread and others. They said “he was such a nice man”… it was so disappointing and alot of money.
He makes out his authotics are unique and he invented that type etc etc but from another forum I’m told they are not unique and the same lab makes all of them for about £50 each.
He has written a book on marketing and how to make millions through hard sell marketing… it now adds ups.
I’m currently researching how we can get the money back, but the member of my family paid by debit card. We didn’t think to google him before visiting, as he sounds so genuine in his book.
May 5, 2011 at 9:50 am |
Hi UKguy
I am sorry to hear that. However, I would be optimistic in your case. You mention that the orthotics have been paid recently. I understand this must have been in the new clinic of this guy. Most people talking here come from the old clinic, now closed, and there is little we can do except waiting for more people affected to make a larger group. In your case, I would say the person who bought the orthotics could simply say is not happy and ask for refund immediately. According to this guy policy you do not have to give any explanation for being unhappy (unless this has changed). If he does not refund your money then simply go to the police and denounce it. In our case this is far more complicated because P&B went to bankrupt (amazing it is running now again with the same phylosophy but who understand laws…). But in your case the company is still running and therefore has to face responsability. I would rush if I were you. THis kind of bussines will not last long in this economical crisis, and most likely they will do the same strategy than with P&B.
One more thing: I doubt you can get the same orthotics for 50 pounds. No way. Who told you this?
May 5, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Hi thanks for your reply, much appreciated
On the order form is says there is no right to cancel, on the back (terms and conditions) it says you can get a minimum of 4 alterations but the guarantee is money back if they don’t work after 2 years!
He has just dissolved his previous company (after parish and bell) Foot Pain Pioneers Limited, under 2 years.
It seems this guy is very good at selling at very high prices. The fane clinic in Peterborough confirmed they use exactly the same technology etc as Les Bailey as it isn’t unique to him.
In reference to the £50, that is what the consultants like him pay to get the made in USA, they then add their time etc. See this thread
http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?p=206087#post206087
The usual retail rice from research for prescription authotics seems to be around £300-350, however Mr. Bailey charges £700+ then tells you that you need 3+.
July 14, 2011 at 4:28 pm |
I was prescribed orthotics by the National health previous to going to Parish and Bell but this did not solve my pain. My Dad showed me the story in the newspaper and in my desperate state I brought the orthotics, maxing out my credit card which I could not afford to pay back. In desperation to stop my foot pain I paid £2,188.95 for 4 orthotics in 2006. I went back for a refit but found it hard to work out myself where the pain was since I have pain in the balls of my feet the heels and arches, I thought this was what the scan was for in the first place, this was what I thought I was paying this huge amount of money for something that the National health clinic did not have. Five years later I still have pain in my feet and though the insoles provided some support for my arches I still have as much foot pain as before.
Though I paid for my orthotics by credit card this was in 2006, I had not tried earlier to get a refund because I was told I would need to have 2 or 3 more fittings before qualifying for a refund and each time the altered orthotics would need to be warn for a few months to see if the changes made would work. Since the original orthotics and the amended orthotics did not relieve the pain I gave up hope. I was too demoralized to fight for my money back then, but now I increasingly feel I was taken advantage of by a clinic making money with false hope for those in pain.
July 19, 2011 at 9:26 am |
Unfortunately this seems to be the general case, including mine. I wonder where are all the people “cured” by this clinic. Best.
July 20, 2011 at 11:13 am |
hi sam , yes this is the common theme , promises of cures and no results ! i too went down the parish and bell route to no avail ! i also have pain in the arches and heels and have had it for twenty years , no miracle cure im afraid i myself have spent thousands on orthotics , treatment and shoes to try and sort them . only advice i can give is get a job where you are not on your feet as the government dont give dla out for it. sorry to be negative but dont want you to spend as much as i have and get no where . if you have any questions just e mail me and i will try to help .
July 20, 2011 at 11:25 am
Never surrounder!! In my case orthotics did not help much. I am considering now surgery (small cuts in the fascia) but before that I am training my feet to be stronger, loosing weight, and mild stretching. I am considering also Feldenkrais.
One detail: I started driving one year ago. I bought and automatic car so I just use my right foot. Interestingly, that foot is much better now.
July 20, 2011 at 12:45 pm |
Hi all, Les Bailey from the Parish and Bell was working for a new clinic called “The Clinic” nearby and operating from hotel rooms all over the country.
The clinic was perceived by many to be Les Bailey under a new name, they charged the same, used the same sales techniques etc and Les used the same hard sell in his consultations.
However you’ll be pleased to know, he’s now been “sacked” or “asked to leave”. It appears that the clinic is not owned by him and they have discovered his history (I’m surprised they didn’t know).
Aside from this, there is a clinic in Peterborough, the Fane clinic, who charge much less for similar orthotics. This clinic is used by the RAF and others for soldiers who get bad feet in desert boots.
July 20, 2011 at 7:20 pm |
i , unfortunately have been advised against surgery by a head foot surgeon , so my final option is steroid injections to try to eleviate the pain . i am a taxi driver , rarely on my feet , 10 stone in weight so not much else i can do to try and help them . best of luck for your surgery and feldenkrais , would love to know if you have any success ?
July 21, 2011 at 10:20 am |
Sorry to hear that. Why did your surgeon did not recommend surgery? (if you do not mind to explain it here). I hope steroids are effective! Will let you know how it will go with my case.
July 21, 2011 at 12:51 pm |
he said surgery is a last resort and success rates arnt good , and my feet not only pronate but splay out aswell so too many comp-lications involved so advised against it . so sadly i have come too the end of a long road including accupuncture , heat treatment , orthotics ( metal , plastic , moulded ) stretching excercises , balance board excercises and dozens of podiatric experts (including so called parish and bell ) and now am pinning my hopes on injections . oh and i have just purchased a pair of shape up shoes , at present they arnt too bad , time will tell ………….good luck ps nice to talk with someone who suffers with this affliction ..thanks
July 21, 2011 at 1:28 pm |
I see you have an even longer story than me! I wish you very good luck with the injections. It is something I haven’t tryed but a doctor told me that it would be good to consider them as sometimes they they can interrupt the vicious circle of immflamation. I guess if they are successful one should be very careful with posterior activity… All the best, be positive!! Keep in touch.
November 8, 2011 at 11:59 pm |
Hi Riskot my name is Brian I have also purchased orthotics form Parish and Bell. I recently tried to contact them with out any joy. i have found this site because of the contact problem. I notice there does seem to be many contacts, I was wondering if the problem could be advertised to make more people aware.
November 9, 2011 at 11:09 am |
Hi Brian
I am sorry about your case. The problem with Parish and Bell and Les Bailey has been quite advertised in several websites including this one. In Podiatry arena there is a very long tread about the case.
It looks to me that people with some internet skills should find information to make them aware of this and other posible scams
We tryed denouncing the case in TV but we are apparently not that many people for a TV program. I estimate we are about 40-50 people here.
February 6, 2012 at 8:25 pm |
I also bought orthotics from p&b £600 which were rubbish,he had closed down by the time i went back but i know he is working from his home in the banstead surrey area and he is now doing osteopothy!!!
February 6, 2012 at 8:27 pm |
i also forgot to mention that i have recently got orthotics from another company which have been great
March 16, 2012 at 5:02 pm |
Does Anybody here have a copy of the guarantee or contract from P&B? I need this for my credit card company
July 10, 2012 at 1:24 pm |
Clause 4.5 of their Terms and Conditions states:
“If after 4 adjustments the ortrhotics are not fit for their purpose, we will refund you the price paid for those orthotics.”
The Terms and Conditions are found on the reverse side of their receipt.
June 16, 2012 at 12:05 am |
I to was taken in by mr bailey. I was so desperate and was willing to try anything for some relief from my foot pain . The orthotics he supplied did not cure it and cost a small fortune I remember when I was at the clinic there were people from all over the country there all desperate for help he must of made a fortune by preying on us all I remember him telling me he paid over a £1000 for his hand made shoes I feel a bloody fool when I look back but when your in pain you will try anything and he was guaranteeing a 98% success rate he should be ashamed of himself I have now overcome my problem with perseverance and it’s cost me less than £10 he had £1.500 out of me sorry to hear here about what happens to you
July 9, 2012 at 8:17 pm |
Hi I paid £1,700 for three orthotics also, they are falling apart now, but I guess there is nothing I can do.
I am having surgery in September, i have noticed there is a foot clinic in Devon offering the same laser scanning system, does anyone know if this clinic is any good?
July 9, 2012 at 9:30 pm |
In my view, and after, 6 years of plantar fasciitis, I think paying mora than 300 pound for orthotics is a stupid thing, and sellers should be prosecuted by scam.
I don’t know about Devon clinic, but make sure no shadow of LB is present.
Could you let me know the information you collected for the surgery?
November 2, 2012 at 2:02 am |
hi
my orthortics i have glued several times, if there is any updares i would gladly be interested
with regards alison
January 2, 2013 at 9:04 pm |
He’s back!
http://www.prlog.org/12020060-the-achilles-and-orthotics-by-dr-les-bailey-phddoacopmapta-int-part-les-bailey-orthotics-artic.html
And now with a Phd from this joint – http://www.oiucm.org/
Look out for Dr Les!
March 9, 2013 at 11:54 am |
Hi,
Not up for writing a really long winded message, but first if all I am sad to hear so many did not benifit from the orthotics. But my experience was completely different, I brought two pairs about eight years ago and I noticed the improvement straight away! I was even back playing sport within three months. People reding this may think that maybe I only had a slight tear, that’s wasn’t the case, I only went to parish as my specialist told me my only option was the correction op but I did not like the sound of the success rates or the failure outcomes and as I a big lad there was more rush of both.
March 9, 2013 at 4:34 pm |
Matt, lucky you. Obviously some success rate must be true.
April 10, 2013 at 10:26 am |
I received a telephone call from a friend this morning to say she had seen dr les bailey as her back and neck have been bad. She was concerned as he had a totally unprofessional manner and used expletives telling her that her back was basically f@:)(((d!,
After doing it a bit of research on him I came across this forum.
For all of you that have been ripped off by him I can tell you that he is now trading under the name of (something like) The back and neck clinic (osteopathy) in Caterham on the Hill (opposite Tesco)
April 10, 2013 at 11:44 am |
http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=53285
Note this bit “How can a man who has been struck off the osteopathic register be allowed to make money from desperate individuals who are in chronic pain and give himself a phd??”
Always check the osteopath is registered. He’s a bad one.
April 10, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Indeed… I wonder if anybody has made any formal complaint against the situation after P&B. Anyhow this way can never end well. The pity is all the people suffering from this type of behaviours.
April 10, 2013 at 10:35 am |
I received a telephone call from a friend this morning to say she had seen dr les bailey for osteopathy treatment as have been bad. She was concerned as he had a totally unprofessional manner
After doing it a bit of research on him I came across this forum.
For all of you that have been ripped off by him I can tell you that he is now trading under the name of (something like) The back and neck clinic (osteopathy) in Caterham on the Hill (opposite Tesco)
October 16, 2013 at 11:56 am |
In response to Cliff Rees’s comment (October, 2010), Mr. Bailey is not a medical doctor. Few medical practitioners actually hold full doctorates. They merely use the term ‘Dr.’ as a courtesy title. The suspicion was that Mr. Bailey was holding himself out as having a PhD award. Indeed, this is now confirmed by the Prolog press release issued on 14th October, 2012.
This begs the question, how valid is this purported doctorate? All UK and Irish PhD awards made on the basis of successfully defended theses are now shown on the British Library’s ETHOS (Electronic Theses Online) index. Google ETHOS. A search of this index shows that Mr. Bailey does not hold a UK doctorate awarded on the basis of a submitted thesis. One thought that perhaps Mr. Bailey had undertaken his thesis at perhaps a prestigious American institution such as Harvard! No, not at all.
Mr. Bailey claims to have submitted a 15,000 word thesis. Most faculties at UK universities require of thesis with a word count of between 60,000 and 80,000 words in the main body of the text before appendices. A master’s degree dissertation might be expected to be between 10,000 and 15,000 words.
Looking at Mr. Bailey’s Facebook page, one can see that he claims to have a PhD awarded by the OIUCM in 2009. At closer examination this is shown to be the Open International University for Complementary Medicine at Colombo in Sri Lanka. Does anyone know of the status of this institution? Certainly, whereas UK doctoral theses are available for reading through both ETHOS and the awarding university’s library, I have not been able to obtain a copy of Les Bailey’s submission. Has anyone has sight of it?
October 16, 2013 at 12:40 pm |
I have been using the barefoot science insole system (available on Amazon UK) for a few months. It has helped me somewhat. I have arthritic feet. My right one has become stronger over the years but the pain becomes intense if I stand to long. My left foot is the one that gives me the most hassle and pain. Just a slight push/twist in the wrong direction and it sends me into orbit!! Extremely painful & I still have to go stand & walk on the F***ers. The barefoot science could be worth a try for you. It might or might not help. I did try the parish insoles at £1300 in 2007. Helped me Zero.
October 17, 2013 at 12:04 pm |
Further to my comments yesterday, the best option for those wanting to close Mr. Bailey down might be Trading Standards.
In some areas, Trading Standards have acted again dentists seeking to call themselves ‘Dr.’ without any entitlement to do so. Trading Standards have acted in such cases on the grounds that the misappropriation of the title is confusing and misleading to the public: it might entice someone to buy a service that they would not otherwise purchase.
I know of someone in my area who was operating in complementary medicine and who adopted the title ‘Dr.’ without anyone apparent entitlement to do do. Trading Standards soon acted against him. Within fifteen or eighteen months, he was gone.
If you can convince the local Trading Standards that Mr. Bailey’s doctorate is either questionable or mickey mouse, they ought to move against him on the basis that such term is misleading to the public.
Good luck with your endeavours. Though, he may well just pop up in another area. What is needed is a national framework to cover such cases.
March 5, 2014 at 8:59 am |
Hi everyone
I also paid nearly £2000 for three pairs of orthotics – trainers, comfort and work shoe – in 2008. I was led to believe that these people were the ultimate professionals (my wife found their ad in a magazine). I must say that my problem was fixed for a while, but now my heels are really sore again and I wondered where these people were since I hadn’t heard of them for ages. Now to hear that they went under all that time back is really a surprise. Wish I hadn’t paid so much!
July 8, 2014 at 12:54 pm |
I spent nearly 700 pounds!! , back in2006, had them recoverd about 3 years ago , need to be done again now, only just read your blog, I am very angry!!!! Want my money back , still have reciepts, is it true les bailey has started up again??
September 29, 2014 at 12:08 pm |
This is my story.
In 2007 I went to visit P&B after being a six year sufferer of heel spur and impersonating an old woman.
So I have read similar stories to mine so I won’t repeat. Just to say I am cured, because of my orthotics I guess I am one of the lucky ones.
At the time of purchase Janet Cain was my consultant I asked what the guarantee meant. She said they would last a life time. I said ‘Ok, I am forty now and I intend to live a long, long time. So where will Parish and Bell be be in forty years when I need some assistance and help. The consultant looked at me dumbfounded and said ‘Well that is a very good question. We have never been asked that before. I will have to go and ask my supervisor to come and speak to you’.
Janet went off and a lady came back she was not able to give me assurances but said they are planning to open a branch of Parish and Bell in Ireland.
That was clearly a lie; and I found this out today. Why? Because I need help with refurbishing my trainer orthotics and found out they have gone bust. I paid like everyone else a lot of money as part of the guarantee
I feel a fool and they made me feel like that. But if I can find a place that will refurbish the orthotics I won’t feel that way any more.
Does anyone know where I could get my orthotics refurbished?
Thanks for allowing me to contribute to this site
My thoughts are with so many of you who sadly have been duped by P&B. Continuous pain and discomfort rules your life; the choice you make and the dreams and plans you make for yourself. You would pay any thing to be cured from this devastating pain. I know I did.
March 30, 2018 at 4:55 pm |
Hi I visited parish and bell in 2009 and was advised to purchase 2 insoles at £1200 , a lot of money ! They never worked , never returned fine calls then went bust ! I still have original receipt and invoice and wonder if anyone got any refunds ? Cheers Ewan
E mail. ewan31163@gmail.com
April 15, 2021 at 10:37 pm |
Hi yes I visited parish & bell in 2007 for an appt & a scan of my foot the consultant I think his name was Les,this cost me £60, I was talked into paying a deposit for 3 sets of orthotics,that had to be made on a machine so the diamentions of the foot were correct before completing the orthotic. These were sent away I was informed to the states & took 1 month to make.parish & bell rang me to say the orthotics were on there way to me.I never received them. I rang to inform the clinic & they did tell
Me I would be sent another 3 pairs. In total I’d paid out £1,600, & never got my orthotics. I complained several times tho nothing ever came of it. I wasn’t very happy & wasn’t surprised the clinic went bankrupt.