Page 30 - WMPF Federation FebMar2021-Hi_Neat

50-mile challenge

runs up funds for

charities

orgetting Dry January or taking up a
new diet, 130 supporters of
F WMPMND put January to good use
by each running 50 miles to raise funds for
the campaign’s two chosen charities – the
Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA)
and Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove.
The fund-raising mission was launched
by West Midlands PC Sharon Johnson who,
celebrating her 50th birthday in January,
decided to set the campaign’s supporters a
challenge.
And, with the enthusiasm that has
already seen them smash their original
fund-raising targets several times over, they
have raised more than £900, once the cost
of medals for those covering the distance
had been taken into account.
“I just thought it would be a great way
to mark my big birthday and also motivate
people during January,” says Sharon, “Of
course, when I set the challenge I didn’t
know we would be in a nationwide
lockdown but at least a daily run has been
something people have been able to do.
“I am overwhelmed by everyone’s efforts
and also want to thank them for everything
they have done to make my birthday as
special as possible given the pandemic.”
Sharon’s husband, Chris, who retired
from the Force last year, was diagnosed with
motor neurone disease – which affects the
brain, spinal cord and nerves that stop
muscles functioning – in autumn 2018, six
months after being promoted to Assistant
Chief Constable.
A fund-raising appeal set up in the ACC’s
name has already raised more than £28,017
which will be split between MNDA and
Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove which are Sharon Johnson after completing the final
supporting Chris and his family. The group’s leg of her 50-mile challenge and (inset) the
current target is to raise £32,280 – Chris’ specially commissioned medal for those who
collar number was 1614 so this target will took part.
give each charity £16,140.
Inspired by Chris’ approach to being charities supporting the Johnson family.
diagnosed with MND, West Midlands Police The marathon was initially moved from
Federation representative Trudy Gittins May to autumn last year, and this May’s
rallied a team of officers and supporters event has also just been put back again. any time; a person’s risk of developing the
from forces across England and Wales to run But despite the setbacks, the fund- disease is around 1 in 300.
Liverpool’s Rock and Roll Marathon last May. raisers have been doing their bit to boost l Sharon has been named as an
Trudy, a DS in the organisational the charities’ coffers. Ambassador for Primrose Hospice,
learning and development department, MND attacks the nerves in the brain and recognising her efforts to support their
wanted the runners to support the two spinal cord and could happen to anyone at work.

30 federation February/March 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids