Staffordshire Police Federation rep Claire Bond has told how she, along with her colleagues, has raised just over £4,000 for the charity Care of Police Survivors (COPS).
The branch’s treasurer and wellbeing lead raised more than £2,500 taking on this year’s Light the Lakes challenge in June, along with a further £600 from selling memorial badges.
In addition, the reception team at Staffordshire Police HQ helped generate £120 from their second-hand bookshop, with Force chaplain Stephen Parker, raising more than £700 thanks to the generosity of local schoolchildren.
“It’s amazing to see so many different groups of people helping to raise such a fantastic amount,” said branch treasurer and wellbeing lead Claire.
“This year, I took part in Light the Lakes for the third time and it was definitely the hardest event so far.”
Light the Lakes brings together groups of both serving and retired police officers, along with their friends, who - between them - climb all 214 Wainwright fells in the Lake District.
The event raises money for COPS, a national charity that supports the families of police officers and staff who have died on duty.
Clare, 51, who - along with this year’s ‘Team Staffs’ spent two days climbing The Old Man of Coniston, a 2,600-foot fell - added: “The weather was horrific, we were pretty much battling against a storm the entire climb. It once again pushed me to my limit, both emotionally and physically.
“Usually, we light a blue flare at the top, in honour of our fallen colleagues but due to the weather, it just wasn’t safe this time round. So, we all carried light-up batons with us instead. It was still as emotional as ever - I don’t think the event will ever lose that emotion.”
Clare takes part in the event to not only remember fallen officers and raise money, but also by way of acknowledging the vital support she received following a life-threatening incident in 2018.
The mother-of-four was crushed by a car and dragged along the ground, before being pulled to safety by her colleague. She then had to undergo a five-hour operation to save her shattered leg.
“I take part in the event to raise money for COPS but also to show my gratitude for all those family members, friends and healthcare professionals who were there for me, when I needed them most. Because of them, I am here today.”
Alongside Claire’s fundraising efforts, Staffordshire Police Chaplain Stephen Parker helped generate more than £700 worth of funds through his work with local schools.
“When completing my yearly fundraising, I admit - I do it all the old-fashioned way and that’s via sponsorship forms,” said Stephen.
“I visit two local primary schools once a month for Collective Worship. This seemed like the ideal time to introduce COP to the 600 children and staff. It also gave me a great opportunity to talk about the work of the police.”
Thanks to non-school uniform days and generous donations from two local churches, Stephen managed to drum up a total of £792.
“Of course, everywhere I went I had a sponsor form - which meant family, friends and colleagues couldn’t escape my approach with a piece of paper and a pen.
“All-in-all, it was a great month of engaging with people. And what was really fantastic to see and hear, was the great respect and admiration there is out there for our Police Force. This was very encouraging at a time where policing receives such negative press.”
You can still donate to COPS by visiting the ‘Team Staffs’ JustGiving page.
Staffordshire Police Chaplain Stephen Parker and Fed rep Claire Bond present cheque to COPS charity
