More than 20 serving police officers and staff are set to take on a gruelling charity climb supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen to raise awareness of road safety.
The Three Peaks Challenge will be undertaken by officers and staff from the force’s Roads and Armed Policing Unit (DRAP) between 18th and 19th June with the double aim of boosting awareness of the devastating impact of road deaths and serious injuries on individuals, families and communities and raising money for the charity 4Louis which specialise in supporting people affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child.
The epic challenge has been organised by Sgt Steve Adey who works in DRAP and will see the team scaling the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within a 24-hour period, covering 23 miles in total and a total ascent of 3,064 metres with 462 miles of driving between the peaks.
The County Durham and Darlington PCC has contributed £500 to support the event, helping to cover costs and kick‑start fundraising efforts.
The avid road safety campaigner is Joint National Portfolio Lead for Roads Policing on behalf of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and has offered her wholehearted support for the team’s efforts in promoting the safer driving message.
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “This is an adventure with purpose, and I am full of admiration for the officers and staff who will be testing their endurance to the limits with this charity climb.
“With over 3,000 metres of climbing involved – the equivalent of scaling the top of Ben Nevis three times – it isn’t going to be easy but with every step they take these brave officers and staff will know their efforts are making a vital difference for two amazing causes.
“I wish DRAP every success with their challenge. The team knows only too well the life-shattering impact of road tragedies through their work, and it is truly inspiring that their experiences continue to drive their efforts to save lives on the roads even while not on duty.”
4Louis is a UK-based charity that supports families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and the death of a baby or child.
The organisation works across the UK to provide ongoing bereavement support to families, distributing memory boxes free of charge to hospitals, hospices and military facilitators to enable families to collect keepsakes to help them cope and preserve lasting memories of their children.
4Louis also supplies hospitals, hospices and professionals with tools, equipment and training to improve bereavement care, working hard to ensure families do not grieve alone by improving care services nationwide.
Following a road traffic collision involving the death of a child, they work closely with police forces, family liaison officers, hospitals and coroners across the UK.
The Three Peak Challenges team will comprise around 22 walkers and two dedicated drivers, with fundraisers highlighting important road safety messages prior to the climb and during the challenge.
For anyone wanting to donate, the JustGiving page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/durham-police-4?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
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