[O]fficers and staff from Cumbria Constabulary will once again compete in a football tournament to remember their fallen colleague, PC Bill Barker, and raise funds for his chosen charity.
The Bill Barker Memorial Football Tournament, which takes place on Friday 15th September at Whitehaven Amateurs Football Club, will see teams from the North, South and West policing areas and a team from Cumbria Police HQ compete against each other for the Bill Barker Memorial Trophy.
The tournament, which is in its eighth year, sees officers and staff support the event in their own time to raise funds for Bill’s chosen charity, The Great North Air Ambulance ‘Pride of Cumbria’.
Last year’s tournament saw the West Cumbria team lift the trophy and £1,000 raised.
Detective Constable Steve Usher, who is organising the event, said: “The tournament is a great way in which to remember Bill, who continues to be missed by everyone at Cumbria Constabulary.
“There are some very keen footballers who will be taking part and I’m sure it will be a great day for all involved. Anyone who would like to come down and support the teams are more than welcome to do so.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the organising of this year’s tournament, especially Whitehaven Amateurs FC for once again allowing us to use their facilities and to all organisations who have kindly donated items for a post-tournament raffle. I’d also like to say a big thank you to Hazel Barker and the rest of Bill’s family for supporting the event.”
Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “It is incredibly important for the force to remember Bill and the ultimate sacrifice he paid whilst performing his role to protect the public of Cumbria. I hope that this year’s event is once again a success and that as much money as possible is raised.”
