Peterborough Cadets help local hospice to raise vital funds at Christmas

A group of Volunteer Police Cadets from Peterborough have given up their time to support an emotional event held by the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice on 13^th December.

The ‘Lights of Love’ concert is an opportunity for families to remember and celebrate the lives of those they have lost as well as a chance to raise important funds towards ongoing care provision.

Volunteer Police Cadets Flack, Koniecko and Lavell, together with DS Heidi McAdam and Staff Leader Robinson, braved the cold weather and helped out by welcoming guests, handing out programmes and collecting donations. They were also on hand to assist members of the public with any problems.

DS Heidi McAdam said: “It was incredibly emotional as people were there to write in memory books and leave messages on Christmas trees for loved ones they wanted to remember. Several people spoke to us and told us how important the hospice had been for them during some very difficult times and shared some of the memories they had. We felt very privileged to be invited to help out at such an important occasion and look forward to supporting the hospice with future events.”

Jo Killick, Senior Events Fundraiser at Sue Ryder praised the cadets: 

“I want to thank the cadets for their fantastic support. We had over 700 guests on the night and raised £3,200 – support such as this means we can keep costs to a minimum and continue to provide incredible care for people facing a frightening life-changing diagnosis.”

The Peterborough Volunteer Police Cadet programme was set up in partnership with the Thomas Deacon Academy with the aim of inspiring young people to participate positively in their communities and support local policing priorities.”

Young people aged between 13 and 18 follow an intensive 13-week induction programme which prepares them to support community safety within their local communities.

Sir Graham Bright, Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“I’m immensely proud of the Peterborough Cadets who have embraced this opportunity to contribute to this important event. Speaking to these young people, I know they have learned a great deal about themselves, about policing and their local communities. It only takes the actions of a small group of people to make a difference and instigate positive changes.”

Two further units are now established in Soham and Wisbech with plans under development to roll the scheme out to Cambridge and Cambourne. Following evaluation, the scheme will be rolled out to other parts of Cambridgeshire.

For more information about the Volunteer Police Cadets Scheme, please email: cadets@cambs.pnn.police.uk.