Hi and thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I am running the New York Marathon on Sunday 1st November 2009 in aid of the Police Dependants' Trust and just to add to the challenge (and to give me a half decent chance of getting around!) I'm giving up smoking as well!

Reasons NOT to do this? I smoke too much, I drink too much, I'm not very fit these days, I don't care for flying long distances (let alone running them) and it's going to really hurt!

Reasons to do this? Most of the above and most importantly for a great cause to help those who sometimes give everything to help and protect us.

Wish me luck (on all counts!) and please sponsor me whatever amount you can. It's a cliche but every little really does help. Thankyou - Pete. 

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In an emergency, who do you call? The Police may not always be popular but imagine where we would be without them.

An officer is assaulted, on average, once every 40 minutes.

The Police Dependants' Trust is the only National Charity dedicated to supporting officers who have been incapacitated or the families of officers who make the ultimate sacrifice.

Some examples of current cases:

Daniel Coffill: a 21 year old PC with the Metropolitan Police was punched and kicked in the head by Daniel Lance Samuels and Jack Turner because he refused to light their cannabis joint. He was beaten so hard, he was put into a coma. one year on, PC Daniel Coffill is still in a vegetative state and needs round the clock care. The Police Dependants' Trust has purchased a home for Daniel and his Mother who lives with him and cares for him.

John Alcock: a 40 year old PC who, along with another officer were en-route to Royal Balmoral on Royal Protection duties. An Italian driver (on the wrong side of the road) crashed head on into the police vehicle. He received severe head injuries and has been in a coma ever since. The Trust has assisted with house adaptations to enable him to live at home with his family.

For those unsung heroes who make sacrifices to keep all of us safe, this appeal is for them.

Since 1966, when the trust was founded, over 6000 cases have been brought to the attention of the trustees and well over £39 million has been paid out in various grants. The interests of children are given special consideration and the lives of elderly widows or young officers on very low pensions can be eased. The PDT has assisted with grantsfor many different purposes; from wheelchairs to professional retraining, from school uniforms to dentures. We also assist with annual grants for those on a low income and funeral grants to relieve financial concerns at this devastating time. With your help and support the Trust can continue its invaluable work.

£27 pays for slippers for a Police Widow in residential care

£481 pays a child's grant which helps out towards the cost of school uniform.

£1985 funds one maintenance grant, paid out annually, for an elderly Police Widow on a very low pension.

£2145 paid for a spcialist wheelchair to assist a retired officer to take part in the British Wheelchair Bowls Association Championships

£3592 paid for a replacement boiler/heating system for a disabled, retired Police Officer and his wife.

£7542 made it possible for a tetraplegic former Officer to have a holiday accompanied by 2 professional carers.

A grant in excess of £100,000 is about to go to out to enable a former officer, now 100% disabled, to have alterations made to his home in order for him to leave hospital and live with his family again.

Ordinary people doing an extraordinary job.

www.policedependantstrust.org.uk

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Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Police Dependants' Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. So please sponsor me now!