Story
She dedicated her career to protecting others. Now it's our turn to stand up for her.
PC Fiona Shaik Umar is an outstanding Metropolitan Police officer who has dedicated her professional life to protecting others, including Members of Parliament and elected representatives who face threats, harassment and intimidation.
This week, Fiona received the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award at the Police Federation Annual Conference.
It should have been one of the proudest moments of her career.
A moment of celebration. A moment of recognition. A moment for her family, friends and colleagues to rejoice in everything she has achieved.
Instead, she was subjected to an appalling torrent of racist, Islamophobic and misogynistic abuse.
Why?
Because she is a woman. Because she is Muslim. Because she wears a hijab.
People who have never met Fiona, who know nothing about her dedication, her professionalism or the lives she helps protect, decided to attack her simply because of who she is.
That is not the Britain I believe in.
And I refuse to believe it represents the overwhelming majority of decent people in this country.
Why I'm starting this fundraiser
I have had the privilege of dealing with Fiona personally.
As a councillor, when I experienced sustained abuse and harassment, Fiona was among those who demonstrated the professionalism, compassion and commitment that we should all expect from those who serve and protect us.
I know first-hand the difference that people like Fiona make.
And when I read about the hatred directed towards her, I felt that simply expressing outrage was not enough.
I wanted us to do something positive. Something meaningful. Something that shows Fiona that for every person spreading hatred, there are hundreds more who stand for kindness, dignity and decency.
This fundraiser is an opportunity for ordinary people, from every background, faith and community, to come together and send a simple message:
Fiona, we see you. We appreciate you. And we stand with you.
Let's turn hatred into something beautiful.
I'm asking everyone who believes in fairness, tolerance and basic human decency to contribute whatever they can.
£5. £10. £20. Whatever you can afford.
This isn't about how much any one person gives.
It's about how many people are prepared to stand together.
Imagine if thousands of people across Britain contributed, not because they knew Fiona personally, but because they recognised that no one should be subjected to hatred for their faith, their gender or their identity.
Imagine turning one of the most distressing experiences of Fiona's career into an extraordinary demonstration of public affection, appreciation and solidarity.
Let the people who tried to diminish her achievements see that their hatred has achieved precisely the opposite.
What will happen to the money?
Every penny raised, after any applicable platform and transaction fees, will go directly to Fiona as a personal gesture of appreciation, gratitude and solidarity.
Fiona has spent her career protecting others, yet at a moment when she should have been celebrating one of her proudest professional achievements, she has instead had to endure an appalling ordeal of hatred and abuse.
She deserves some happiness, some kindness and a reminder that there are far more good people in this world than those who seek to spread hatred.
The money will be hers to spend entirely as she wishes. Whether she chooses to treat herself, enjoy something special with her family, take a well-deserved break or simply put it towards something that brings her happiness is entirely her decision.
There are no conditions, no expectations and no obligations.
This is simply our way of saying: Fiona, you have spent so much of your life looking after others. Now let us do something for you.
You deserve to celebrate your achievements, and we would love to help put a smile back on your face.
A message to Fiona
You spend your working life helping protect others.
You have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes and helped demonstrate that women from every community belong in policing.
You have earned your award.
You have earned the respect of your colleagues.
And you deserve to celebrate your achievements without fear of prejudice or hatred.
Please don't let the voices of a hateful minority drown out the appreciation of the decent majority.
To everyone reading this: please donate if you can, and share this fundraiser with your family, friends and colleagues.
Let's show Fiona, and every woman who has ever been made to feel unwelcome because of who she is, that they are not alone.
They tried to turn her moment of pride into a moment of pain. Together, let's turn it into a moment of hope.
With solidarity and gratitude,
Tanweer Khan
Fundraiser organiser
