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Paul Hollis who organised the virtual 10k running event

IPA News

Running for Matt Neil Hallam , Editor

The death of Met Officer Matt Ratana shocked us all last year. For Custody Sergeant and Met colleague Paul Hollis, the effect was more stark, working in the same custody suite as Matt. Paul is a keen runner, who completed the gruelling Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race for charity last year. He decided that the loss of his friend and colleague should be marked with an event to support Matt’s partner, Su Bushby. Paul ordered 100 bespoke T-shirts and medals and put out a flyer for a virtual 10K run, . with an entry fee of £20 to help support Su. Within weeks entries had to be capped when they passed 2,000, causing a logistical challenge to keep up with demand. The initial plan was to restrict entry to Met officers and staff, but this was soon abandoned as police from all over the UK signed up, alongside firefighters, ambulance crews and athletics clubs. There were even British Officers seconded to the National Crime Agency in Pakistan participating in full uniform. Paul Hollis himself ran 10k for 21 consecutive days during November and December. Paul said “I’ve been overwhelmed with the support from everyone. Luckily, colleagues got involved helping with the massive logistical operation of posting the T-shirts and medals.” He continued: “I’ve managed to fit in a run every day, even around my night shifts, with one being 19 laps around Lewisham police station at 2 o’clock in the morning. Last Sunday, I saw three people running with the T-shirts I sent out. I pulled over to have a chat with them, and was astonished to find that all three were Kent police officers. That was just absolutely amazing to see.” For Paul, his final run from New Scotland Yard to Paddington Green was really significant, as that is where he used to work with Matt. The event raised almost £50,000 for Matt’s family, with 2,700 people taking part.

Dame Kelly Holmes supporting the event

The Brownlee brothers supporting the event

Matt’s colleagues plan to repeat the virtual 10k in April. Anyone interested in running, or donating, should contact Paul at paul.hollis@met.police.uk Rochdale & District branch, 30th anniversary celebrations & friendship weekend Thursday 23rd to Tuesday 28th September 2021 NCA taking part in Pakistan

On Friday, after breakfast, there will be a barge cruise around the quays, followed by a brewery trip, before returning to the hotel for an evening meal. On Saturday, there will be a trip back in time to the East Lancashire Steam Railway, with an opportunity to visit a shopping centre. Evening meal back at the hotel with entertainment. On Sunday, we will visit the Derbyshire Peak District, with a choice of activities: • The Tramway museum at Crich, with over 60 trams built between 1873 and 1982. It is set in a recreated village, with a pub, café, old style sweet shop and tram depots, OR • Travel by cable car to the Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath. This is a hilltop park with cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and café.

This will be followed by a meal at a local restaurant, before returning to the hotel.

Rochdale is at the foothills of the South Pennines, in the dale of the River Roch. Our branch was officially formed at Durham Castle, the venue of the Regional Conference, on 5th October 1991 and ratified at the National Conference in May 1992. Our celebration will be based at the 4* Copthorne Hotel, Clippers Quay, Salford Quays, Manchester. The price will be £ 398 per person if sharing a twin/double room and £530 per person for a single room. The price includes 5 nights Bed & Breakfast and all evening meals. Entertainment will be provided at the hotel on three evenings. The following programme may be subject to alteration, if items are no longer available on the days we have planned. On Thursday, there will be a welcome drink and evening meal at the hotel, with entertainment based on a good old Lancashire welcome.

On Monday, we will visit Manchester City Centre, with visits to the Police Museum, Manchester Town Hall and free time for last minute shopping. We will then return to the hotel for a formal dinner with exchange of gifts and entertainment provided by the GMP jazz band & singers. Tuesday sees us saying farewell to all our friends and guests after breakfast. There is opportunity for visitors to stay for longer or to come earlier, which can be arranged if needed. If you wish to take advantage of this, please let us know at time of booking. If you are interested, please contact either: Frank Pearson fpgmpmvc@gmail.com Or, Neil Baldwin neilbaldwin@talktalk.net

POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.2, 2021

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