[F]undraising efforts by Cumbria Police have helped pay for a new minibus for the Calvert Trust.
Over the past two years Cumbria Police have raised money as part of a charity partnership with all proceeds being donated to the Calvert Trust.
Earlier this year Chief Constable Michelle Skeer presented a cheque for over £30,000 which has been used, along with funds raised by the Friends of the Calvert Trust, to purchase the new minibus which the Trust said was essential for the work they do to help those with disabilities achieve their potential through countryside adventure.
Officers and staff haven taken part in wide variety of fundraising challenges which include; Fingerprint Officer David Holme cycling 100 miles each day during last May, members of the Constabulary cycle club completing the 212 mile Tommy Godwin challenge, PC Dave Edwards finishing the London Marathon, Sgt Paul Senior and PC Martin Plummer from the Police Federation taking on a number of sporting challenges, and Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall completing the Great North Run.
Others collected money at events around the country, a fashion show organised in Carlisle raised over a £1,000, and many also gave up their time to do maintenance work at the Trust’s Keswick centre.
Sean Day, Centre Director from the Calvert Trust said: “We are all so grateful for the fantastic support received from the police over the last two years, and we have really enjoyed the partnership. Everyone has been incredibly enthusiastic and many have really pushed themselves as part of their fundraising challenges – it has been amazing to see.
“Getting a new minibus was such a key thing for us in order to ensure our disabled visitors can access all of the fantastic activity locations, and the funds raised have enabled us to purchase it.
“The volunteer work that has been done, such as improving the access paths to our challenge course and accessible high ropes course, has been vital in making the place safer and more accessible for people getting around, especially those with limited mobility. Not only has the money raised and work done made a direct impact on the Calvert Trust, but it has also raised awareness of the charity in Cumbria and further field, which is great for us.”
Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “It was a privilege to see the new minibus and to see and hear the difference it will make to this wonderful charity and the work it does to help those with disabilities.
“I am proud of all the hard work that has been done by officers and staff – some of them completing incredibly difficult challenges in aid of the Calvert Trust, and others giving up a lot of their time to ensure we were raising as much money as possible.
“I know that raising money for the Trust has been rewarding for all of those who have got involved and it is great to see how beneficial the partnership has been for the charity.”
Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I too am delighted that our officers and staff did such a tremendous job in raising funds for the Calvert Trust, such a worthwhile charity making a real difference to people’s lives. To know that through our partnership, more people – who otherwise may not have had the opportunity – will now be able to enjoy what our beautiful county has to offer, is very rewarding.”
