CARE OF POLICE SURVIVORS
WINTER BALL RAISES £42,000
This year’s COPS Winter Ball, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in
Staffordshire on 1 February, raised over £42,000 to support families of fallen police officers. The event featured heartfelt speeches, an exciting auction,
and entertainment, bringing together over 200 supporters to celebrate and honour the sacrifices made by police officers and their families
PHOTOS > Care of Police Survivors
The annual COPS (Care of Police Survivors) Winter Ball once again proved to be a beacon of hope and solidarity, raising over £42,000 to support the families of police officers and staff who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. This year’s event, held at the National Memorial Arboretum, was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and the enduring strength of their loved ones. The evening began with a heartfelt welcome from Sir Peter Fahy QPM, who underscored the profound importance of the gathering. Guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course meal, but it was the emotional speeches and the sense of community that truly nourished the soul. The charismatic Hamilton Bland led an exciting auction, while the golden ticket draw added an element of anticipation and joy, both crucial in achieving the impressive fundraising total.
16 | POLICE | FEBRUARY | 2025
Entertainment for the night was provided by the enchanting magician Lee Diamond, whose performances brought smiles and wonder to the faces of all in attendance. The renowned swing and jazz band The Jive Aces filled the room with their uplifting music, creating
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success, from our generous supporters and sponsors to those who participated in the auction and golden ticket draw.”
an atmosphere of celebration and remembrance.
Among the distinguished guests were the headline sponsors, Sopra Steria, whose unwavering support for the UK policing family was evident. David Parsons, Chief Operating Officer of Sopra Steria’s Transformative Business Services, expressed his deep pride in their continued partnership with COPS,
highlighting the importance of standing by those who protect us. A particularly moving moment of the evening was the speech by special guest Ali Gibb, who shared his heart-wrenching experience of losing his son, PC Daniel Gibb of the Metropolitan Police, on duty in 2010. Ali’s words resonated deeply with everyone present, as he spoke of the enduring pain and the small sparks of hope rekindled by COPS events. “When Daniel died, part of my wife, Sandi, died with him. Yet every time we attended a COPS event with other
Survivors, it always rekindled a small spark in her,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. Lisa Meads, Chief Executive Officer
of COPS, reflected on the evening’s significance: “The Winter Ball is not just an evening of celebration, but a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers and staff every day. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
