A Staffordshire Police sergeant says taking part in the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay in memory of her two-year-old daughter was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Federation member Emma Hill, who was nominated to take part in the relay following her inspirational fundraising achievements, proudly carried the baton around Lichfield Cathedral on Wednesday 20 July.
Over the past seven years, the 38-year-old has raised more than £140,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which treated and looked after her daughter Milly when she was poorly.
Emma launched the Magic of Milly charity in memory of Milly, who died in 2015 the night before her second birthday, as a result of post-operative complications for her rare congenital condition.
“To be part of the baton relay was just amazing. Whenever I do anything big like this, I feel like Milly is there with me. This was another opportunity to keep Milly’s memory alive,” said Emma, who has been in the Force for 15 years.
The baton, which is a symbol of unity and collaboration, has travelled across 72 nations and territories since last October, in the run-up to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which started on Thursday 28 July.
“The list of others who also carried the baton was full of inspirational people, I felt really privileged to be taking part. I was part of history, it was an opportunity of a lifetime,” added Emma.
“It was great to carry the baton in the patch where I work - although, to be honest, I’m usually closing the road for these kinds of events. It was nice to actually be part of it, instead.”
While other baton-holders chose to run their route, Emma admits she walked her stint, so she could take it all in.
“It was another chance to raise awareness of the charity. I’m very proud that I was able to take part for Milly,” she says, “I was flying the flag for Milly, and I was flying the flag for the Magic of Milly.”
Emma’s unforgettable baton-carrying experience comes just one month before the Magic of Milly’s Strictly Come Dancing fundraising event.
A number of police officers and staff, both serving and retired, along with other friends of the charity, will be taking part in a dance competition on Saturday 27 August.
Tickets cost £30 each, with the event taking place at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.
Find out more about the Strictly-style fundraiser.
