Story
<p>Returning to Central BCU as the Deputy Divisional Commander just over a year ago it really did feel like coming home and having served the area in every rank I know that one of the things that has contributed to that family atmosphere in policing these two counties has been the very strong community links between officers, staff and partners at street and ward level, from Caerau in the north to Cogan in the East.</p>
<p>Since joining the BCU in 1994, I have known officers to run football teams, rugby teams, help with boxing clubs and represent their village, town or county in a myriad of different sports. This has, of course, sometimes been for charity.</p>
<p>Today, I am often invited as a senior officer to attend charity events, where I sit at top table in order to show the police service’s support for that community and the cause. It was at one such event that I met the Mayor of the County Borough of Bridgend, Mr Christopher Michaelides.</p>
<p>Those people who know the Mayor are aware that he has given a lifetime of devoted public service to his community in many different ways, from teaching people to drive, running a business, supporting charities and holding local office.</p>
<p>What you may not know- because he will never complain- is that he has been fighting his own battle with cancer during his Mayoral year of office.
That year of office comes to an end in May 2012, and as a result of the strong relationship between the police service and our local communities I have arranged to run a cross country half marathon during Mayor Michaelides’ last month in office. I will take to the hills, tracks and puddles of the Forest of Dean on the 1st of April to raise money for the Mayor’s chosen charities, which includes the prostate cancer charity GLAZE.</p>
<p><strong>You can support this event by: </strong></p>
<p>1. Donating online at www.justgiving.com/runningforthemayor</p>
<p>2. Passing on this request for support to all you corporate, business and social contacts
Thank you.</p>