COPS Winter Ball raises more than £50,000 for charity, beating last year’s total, whilst announcing a new CEO for 2024!

An evening of glitz and glamour, hosted by television personality and special constable Penny Lancaster, patron of the charity, has beat last year’s figure and raised more than £50,000 for Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

The prestigious Winter Ball is a highlight in the Care of Police Survivors charity fundraising calendar, the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to supporting the families of police officers and staff who have died whilst on duty.

Over 240 people attended the “sold-out” black-tie event at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas on Saturday, 3 February. Police support service provider SSCL provided headline sponsorship for the second year running. The event also included a lavish drinks reception, a three-course dinner, and live entertainment from The Jive Aces, incredibly talented musicians.

Penny was introduced to the charity after participating in a reality TV show about policing. Officers on the show told her they do the job because they know they make a difference, even though they could put their lives at risk daily. Penny said:

“COPS is close to my heart, and I am proud and honoured to represent the charity and its work”.

In an opening speech, Sir Peter Fahy QPM, Chair of Trustees, announced that Tim Buckley was stepping down from his role as CEO in March of this year after being in the post since April 2018. Sir Peter Fahy said:

“The event this year is rather sad as this will be the last ball that Tim will be attending as he retires in March. He has done an incredible job developing the charity, and we are very sorry to see Tim go.

“We welcome Lisa Meads into the role. She is already a valued member of the COPS team, and I know she will do a great job, but she has a hard act to follow.

“Our charity is growing. More loved ones of officers who have died on duty are coming to us for support, and so it is great that so many supporters and businesses are coming together this evening to raise funds for our work in this most wonderful venue.”

Tim Buckley – CEO said:

“I will miss this role more than any other I have held. When I close my laptop for the last time, I will feel a tremendous sense of sadness and pride and honour in all we have achieved together.

“I know COPS will continue to thrive with Lisa Meads in the role – the team here is exceptional and will make sure, the survivors, are at the heart of everything COPS does.

“This is an extraordinary charity; the people are amazing people. Survivors and the team will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

Sir Peter Fahy went on to thank the guests for supporting the event. He encouraged people to join the Light the Lakes fundraising event and The Police Unity Tour, which consists of riding 180 miles in two days in memory of a fallen officer who has died on duty.

Lisa Meads, currently the COPS Survivor Experience Manager for the charity, will take over the CEO role. Lisa said:

“I am honoured to have been chosen as the new CEO of Care of Police Survivors, and I sincerely thank Sir Peter Fahy and the board of trustees for entrusting me with this truly remarkable charity.

“I look forward to leading this wonderful team, carrying on the fantastic work Tim has accomplished over the last 6 years, but without question, I will strive to ensure we continue to positively impact our Survivor’s lives.”

Christine Fulton, Co-Founder of Care of Police Survivors, delivered an emotional speech recalling her tragic experience of becoming a survivor in 1994 after her police officer husband Lewis died on duty. You could hear a pin drop in the room as Christine’s tragedy hit home to guests. The real reason why the Care of Police Survivors charity exists. Peer support is embedded in the heart of the charity.

The COPS fundraising team worked tirelessly to secure auction prizes for the event, and this year’s auction prizes were phenomenal. A “Money Can’t Buy” exclusive – “The Devil’s Horsemen Tour of a stud in Buckinghamshire to meet horses from some of the leading motion film productions such as Napoleon and The Games of Thrones and a luxury week stay at Le Vieux Tilleul, kindly donated by Tim Buckey, CEO of Care of Police Survivors, were two of 13 Lots included. Penny wowed the audience by supersizing the auction prize of Afternoon Tea at the Ritz to include herself and her husband, Sir Rod David Stewart CBE, as their accompanying guests.

Once again, guests participated in a golden ticket draw with prizes donated from businesses nationwide. Tickets sold out during the evening, and prizes included an ITV audience experience, De Montford Fine Art Limited Edition framed print and Luxury Hotel Vouchers.

The famous COPS car greeted guests outside the National Memorial Arboretum, forming an excellent backdrop for photographs for guests, together with an American police car kindly donated for the evening by Ruth and Chris Smith-Moorhouse.

During Dinner, guests could also take in The Beat, the avenue of trees at the arboretum dedicated to fallen officers from each police force in the UK, which was poignantly lit blue for the event.

Gill Marshall – National President of COPS, said post-event:

“I am delighted to once again be attending the COPS Winter Ball. This event has become one of the highlights of the COPS calendar, enabling us to raise valuable funds to allow the work of this wonderful charity to continue. The stories of our survivors and the positive impact of COPS support will be at the forefront of the evening, and I am sure that our sponsors and supporters will dig deep to ensure we remain a constant and vital lifeline to bereaved families.”

The charity’s fundraisers and supporters are instrumental in the survival of Care of Police Survivors, and Shared Services Connected Limited (SSCL) sponsored the event for the second year running. SSCL is a critical business support service for the most prominent government departments and agencies and public sector organisations, and it is a crucial charity sponsor.

Tracy Withers, Fundraising Manager, said:

“A truly fantastic evening;  we are so very grateful to our headline sponsor SSCL for their continued support, all of the lovely guests who joined us for the evening, together with The Jive Aces, who are astonishingly talented musicians.  We are grateful to the Police Cadets for their support with the Winter Ball and indeed throughout the year.   Huge shout out to all those who donated auction lots and prizes for the Golden Ticket draw, all of which helped us realise the profit of £50,000.  ”

SSCL Police & Resourcing Services Managing Director, David Parsons said:

“SSCL are honoured to have sponsored the prestigious black-tie COPS Winter Ball again this year. This was an inspirational event that just leaves us in awe of the COPS charity and the role they play in supporting the national Police family at their time of need. 

When the worst happens COPS are there with dedicated, tailored support for families and loved ones. Their peer network of ‘survivors’ are truly passionate about helping others.

We are incredibly proud to be a key supporter of COPS, to highlight the essential work they do, and we feel privileged to be a part of their extended family. Well done to all the COPS team, the Trustees and supporters, we look forward to seeing you at further fundraisers throughout the year.”

Guests interested in attending the 2025 Winter Ball, which will be held on 1 February 2025, should email fundraising@ukcops.org.

SAVE THE DATE

COPS will again host our Winter Ball, on Saturday 1st February 2025.

To reserve your tickets for this sell-out event, please use the link below:

2025 Winter Ball – Pre-Bookings