PW_4_2021

IPA News

Thank You Vivienne and I were pleasantly surprised to receive a parcel delivery in August. It contained an IPA care package consisting of: orange shortbread, white chocolate fudge and fruit cake, all baked by Donna Powell (no relation). We had apparently been chosen because I suffered a bereavement a few months earlier, Vivienne had undergone two cataract operations and we both work on the National Archive. We were so grateful to receive this and really enjoyed it. Many thanks IPA. Phillip Powell & Vivienne Catherall-Powell A Million Steps in May: My fundraising challenge Peter Blexley , New Scotland Yard Branch & Writer’s SIG You will have heard about a murder in the news. Some time later you might have watched a drama or documentary on TV. You may even have bought the book. In all likelihood you will be far more familiar with the name of the perpetrator, than you are with the name of the victim. Because of the nature of my work, I spent many hours in the company of those bereaved by murder. Parents, siblings, friends and colleagues have all opened their hearts to me. As a result, I know what the catastrophic effects of losing someone to murder can be. The consequences of these crimes can last a lifetime. Support After Murder or Manslaughter (SAMM National), are a wonderful charity, who help those affected by the most devastating crime there is. Much of their work has to remain confidential, and therefore attracts very little publicity, but please believe me when I tell you that they do wonderful work to support people experiencing their darkest hours. They operate throughout the UK, and whilst they are the charity that nobody ever wants to need, they are there for anyone who does. I was very proud to take on my fundraising challenge in their name. I’m 61 years old. I’ve enjoyed a pie and a pint on many occasions, and do not have the lifestyle habits of an Olympic athlete. To walk 32,259 steps every day for 31 consecutive days, was always going to be a challenge. It equated to more than 15 miles each and every day during the month of May. I trained for a few weeks beforehand, and hung onto every word of advice that my osteopath gave about diet, rest etc. I was on his couch every five days during the walk, and simply could not have reached a million steps without him. I was constantly posting to social media, with the aim of getting people to part with their hard earned cash. I dressed up as Dolly Parton and Shania Twain, and danced around my kitchen. Thanks to the generosity of donors, I raised over £12,000. This will all go towards helping those who have been bereaved by murder and manslaughter. My fundraising page is still open, so if you could spare a pound or two, I would be hugely grateful. Please use this link: https://givepenny.com/peterbleksley_a_million_steps_in_may My aching and ageing limbs are now rested, and my focus is now fully directed towards my ongoing hunt for Kevin Parle. He will be found. Joanne Early, the CEO of SAMM said: SAMM National was started in 1988 by two bereaved mothers and now has over 30 years of experience in supporting traumatically bereaved people. Many of our trustees, and all of our volunteers have lost a loved one to homicide, and have a unique insight from their own personal experiences. Our services have been designed by the bereaved for the bereaved, to meet a person’s emotional support needs. These include everything from individual peer support to group support and weekend retreats. Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM National) Helpline: 0121 472 2912 Website: www.samm.org.uk

Phillip enjoying his IPA cake

Peter pictured 2nd from left

Joanne Early CEO of SAMM with Commisssioner Dick

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POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.4, 2021