Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Ellis was invited to a charity event in aid of a Staffordshire Police Constable struck with an incapacitating illness.
PCC Matthew Ellis was at the Manor Park Sailing Club, Kings Bromley, on Friday (11 July) where he witnessed the start of a fund-raising 24 hour canoe paddle-a-thon.
PC Steve Prince has recently been diagnosed with a rare and debilitating spinal disease, known as Baastrup’s Disease. The South Staffordshire-based officer has had surgery to remove calcified cysts from his spine, but in the long term it is unlikely he will ever regain full mobility.
Family friend Sally Jones, who works with PC Prince’s wife Lorraine in Staffordshire Police’s control room, is the Secretary of Stafford Canoeing and Watersports Club and came up with the idea of attempting a 24 hour paddle-a-thon.
Speaking before the event, Mr Ellis said: “This is a brilliant example of the police family pulling together. Despite Steve’s sad news, it’s great to see his friends and family offering their support at this time.
“Best of luck goes to those who’ve helped organise this unique event, to Sally and of course Steve and his family to help them through this difficult time.”
The event’s fundraising target is £3,000 which will be used to purchase essential kit to help make PC Prince’s home life more comfortable.
Sally said: “I’ve known Steve and Lorraine for a number of years, and as club secretary, I knew I could get assistance and support to do a marathon paddle – it all escalated from there.
“I am extremely grateful to the canoe club for the support, and also to Manor Park Sailing Club for letting me use their lakes at Kings Bromley for the event, as well as my colleagues from Staffordshire Police.
“The best part of being on the water for that length of time was all the wildlife that I was able to watch, including kingfishers, an otter, woodpeckers, geese, cormorants, various other water birds and lots of bats overnight!”
Throughout the event, members of Stafford Canoeing and Watersports club paddled alongside Sally, keeping her awake and providing company, whilst other members ashore provided food and drink.
Lorraine Prince added: “Steve and I have known Sally for a long time and have always been impressed with her enthusiasm – we were delighted to hear that she was planning to raise money for Steve following his recent illness.
“Completing a 24 hour canoe paddle is a fantastic achievement and we are extremely grateful to those people who have sponsored her and especially to Sally for undertaking this demanding challenge.”
So far, around half of the £3,000 target has been raised. To make a donation, please contact Sally at salandmick@madasafish.com
