Fundraisers put in marathon effort for COPS

A massive thank you to everyone who put on their running shoes earlier this month for COPS – helping to raise a total of more than £1,500.

A number of people took part in the Virtual London Marathon, London Marathon, and other races to help not just raise money, but awareness of COPS.

One person taking part virtually was Julia Berry, who was accompanied, at least some of the way, by very special guest PC Eddie Walker.

“I didn’t want to take him all the way in case he fell out of my bag, so I did about 20 miles along country lanes and came home to get him before finishing,” she said.

“It was great to complete the marathon with him though and we went for a coffee to celebrate.

She added: “COPS is my charity. It’s the only one I will run for. What the charity does for families is amazing. If I can raise money, or awareness of this great charity, then I will.”

Julia raised more than more than £500 for COPS.

Kane Hayden, who did not one, but two marathons, for COPS said the experience was amazing.

Kane, along with friend and fellow Team COPS member Chris Brian, did the virtual London Marathon as well as the Manchester Marathon the following week.

Kane said: “Despite the aches and pains, I feel extremely proud, satisfied, and relieved. I  have never done a marathon before, and I did two in one week. It was great fun and I enjoyed them both. I have family in the police so running for COPS was something I really wanted to do.”

Friend Chris added: “I would recommend a marathon to anyone, I think it is a great life achievement and makes you stronger as a person, not just physically but mentally.”

Kane raised almost £475 for COPS, while Chris has raised £400.

Other fundraisers for COPS included Tom Spalding, who took part in the London Marathon.

He said: “It was my first marathon and getting to do it in London was amazing. The atmosphere was incredible and seeing and hearing the crowd really helped. I was happy with how it went, and I wasn’t even that sore afterwards.”

Asked why he chose to fundraise for COPS, Tom said: “As a serving police officer it made sense. I wanted to do something to support our police family, and I think COPS is the best way to do that.”

Tom raised £321.