Providing a Foundation for Personal Growth
£1000 charity boost from Sutton Coldfield Police
A walk from Sutton to Lichfield at the end of July has generated over £1000 for Sutton Support Services - an umbrella organisation which runs leisure and personal development programmes for people with learning and physical disabilities.
Police Community Support Officers [PCSO] Jenny Horsford and Matt Randle along with colleague Sergeant Sue Jones, joined five members of Sutton Support Services, to walk the 8.5 mile route from Sutton to Lichfield Police Station.
Millie Lewis, who runs Sutton Support Services said, "Fund raising initiatives such as the walk from Sutton to Lichfield Police Station are fundamental to us being able to enhance our current activity programme and develop new schemes as demand for our services grows."
One of the key services is a 'drop-in' centre based at East View House, Coles Lane, designed to cater for those people with learning disabilities who fall outside the current statutory services.
"We enjoy a tremendous association with Sutton Police and liaise with them on issues relating to people with learning disabilities. We are thrilled to receive this £1000 donation, some of which will be used to purchase a new PA/sound system to enable members of the group to continue their drama and dance classes at Sutton Town F.C."
PCSO Jenny Horsford explained: "East View House and Sutton Town Football Club, two locations where Sutton Support Services use, are both on our regular beat.
"Millie Lewis, who runs the scheme, was keen for us to talk with members of the group to reassure them of the support of the police and that we were approachable should they have any queries when out in the community - at college, work or shopping in Sutton Town centre.
"Matt and I recognised the value of the work Millie and her colleagues were doing, and wanted to try and offer some additional support outside of our work environment, to enable them to extend their programme of activities.
"Work colleagues, family and friends have been extremely generous in sponsoring the three of us and we are thrilled with the final figure of just over £1000."
Jenny, Matt & Sergeant Jones were delighted with the success of this year's event and are already discussing plans for an annual fundraising walk.