PW_2_2022

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Surprise, Surprise, Colin! Chris Charlton , Secretary, Scarborough Branch Members from IPA Scarborough and our twin Branch from Ludwigsburg in Germany, organised a surprise lunch and presentation for Scarborough Member Colin Phipps at a local pub on Saturday 19th March 2022. C olin, a former amateur rugby player, underwent surgery on his spinal column last year, after suffering many years of pain and injury from a broken back, suffered during working at height training while a Police Officer. Colin with son Jacob

The operation was not without risk, which Colin knew, but without it he had been told he would never walk again. The operation was successful in freeing up Colin’s spine, but it still left him unable to walk. Colin was told by medical experts that he would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He spent 3½ months in Pinderfields Hospital Spinal Unit, Wakefield, isolated from his five year old son Jacob and his first grand-daughter Maddison, who was born days before he was admitted to hospital. Spurred on by wanting to be the best possible father and grandfather to Jacob and Maddison, Colin has since confounded the experts, and with lots of physiotherapy, determination and fighting spirit, is now able to walk short distances with the aid of sticks. On learning of Colin’s plight, and in the true spirit of the IPA, friends from IPA Ludwigsburg donated €2500.00 Euros to help with practical support for Colin’s future. Lars Herold from IPA Ludwigsburg, who has been a friend to many Scarborough members, travelled to Scarborough specially to see Colin. In addition to the cheque, Lars also presented a bottle of local German wine to Colin’s partner Kelly and a Lego toy to Jacob. In return, Lars was presented with a Metropolitan Police Whistle by Secretary Chris Charlton, on behalf of Scarborough Branch. Lars said, “When we heard about what happened to Colin, we decided to initiate a donation for our friend from Scarborough. We collected €2500.00. Manuella Geselle, showed great generosity and donated €2000.00. Special thanks to Geselle! As we had not just wanted to send a bank transfer, I said I would bring the money over myself and here I am! It was amazing to see Colin walk into the pub on his own. So best of our IPA wishes to Colin and his family. We hope to welcome him in Germany again very soon.” The surprise lunch was organised with the help of Colin’s partner Kelly Smith. Colin said, “At 56 years of age, I am still amazed at the ability of fellow humans to surprise me, having seen the worst of everything in my lifetime. I am absolutely dumbfounded by this gesture, and am extremely grateful for the friendship that has been shown to me, which has been nurtured over the years through the IPA. Vielen danke und danke schön mein Freunde. (Thank you and thank you, my friends).”

Colin (seated), Lars, Kelly & Jacob

Lars and Chris

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POLICE WORLD Vol 67 No.2, 2022