CHARITY COPS WINTER BALL RAISES MORE THAN £50,000 FOR CHARITY


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)


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 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


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. The event also included a drinks reception, a three- course dinner, and live entertainment from The Jive Aces. Penny was introduced to the charity


He added: “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.”


“Our charity is growing. More loved ones of officers who have died on duty are coming to us for support.”


Tim Buckley, CEO, said: “This is an


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 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 Tim Buckley was stepping down from his role as CEO in March of this year after being in the post since April 2018.


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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 UK 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.


Devil’s Horsemen Tour of a stud farm 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 Mr Buckey, 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 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.


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


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