Swapping policing for pounding the pavements

A group of teenage volunteers swapped policing for pounding the pavements to help support victims of serious road traffic collisions in the county.

Members of Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Volunteer Police Cadets completed a marathon distance throughout February as part of a fundraising challenge for the Road Victim’s Trust (RVT).

The cadets and their leaders chose how they completed the distance, whether it was a mile a day or ambitiously going for the 26.2 miles in one go.

Together with a generous donation of £150 from CFG Law solicitors, based in Cambridge, the cadets raised a total of £1277 for the charity which provides support for the bereaved and people otherwise affected by road death or life changing injuries.

Mark Turner, Chief Executive of the Road Victims Trust, added: “The RVT work in partnership with the collaborated Roads Policing Units across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. We enjoy a tremendous working relationship with all officers, staff, and volunteers.

"This fundraising initiative by the police cadets is a wonderful example of how young people can give support to a charity, who in turn, support so many local people whose lives have been devastated by a road death.

"We are extremely proud and privileged to receive the friendship and help from Cambs police cadets”.

The cadets were praised for their fundraising efforts by Caroline Bewes, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, in an evening of thanks and appreciation held on Friday (25 March).

They were recognised for their support, commitment, and dedication to their service and presented with certificates – together with the Citizens in Policing Team and Chief Constable Nick Dean for their support during Caroline’s term in office.

The High Sheriff and the cadets also proudly presented a cheque for their efforts to Mark Turner and Lyn Hesse of the Road Victims Trust.

The cadet scheme helps to promote a practical understanding of policing amongst young people and support local policing priorities.

The cadets are aged 13 to 18, with groups currently running in Cambridge City, East Cambs, Fenland, Peterborough, Huntingdon and St Neots/Cambourne.

PC Stephen Graham, of the Citizens in Policing team, said: “The cadets’ marathon challenge was a fantastic opportunity to raise money and awareness for the Road Victims Trust, as the work they do is incredibly important.

“We are all so proud of them for their efforts and for raising such a substantial sum of money for the charity.

“We’d also like to thank CFG Law for their generous donation and everyone who has donated towards this great cause.”

We are currently looking for volunteer leaders to help support the cadets. Interested? email [email protected] or find out more on the force’s dedicated web page.