COPS Winter Ball raises more than £42,000
The annual COPS (Care of Police Survivors) Winter Ball has once again proved to be a resounding success, raising more than £42,000 to support the families of police officers and staff who have died on duty.
This year’s glittering black-tie event featured an exciting auction hosted by the charismatic auctioneer Hamilton Bland, as well as the highly anticipated golden ticket draw, both of which were instrumental in achieving the impressive fundraising total.
Sir Peter Fahy QPM opened the evening, by welcoming guests and emphasising the importance of the event. Following the three-course meal, speeches and auction, guests enjoyed entertainment from magician Lee Diamond and music from the renowned swing and jazz band The Jive Aces.
The evening brought together more than 200 supporters, sponsors and attendees in celebration of the vital work COPS undertakes to provide essential support to the loved ones of fallen officers. Headline sponsors Sopra Steria were among the distinguished guests, further cementing its commitment to this important cause.
Sopra Steria’s Transformative Business Services chief operating officer David Parsons said: “We’re really pleased to support the UK policing family through a wide range of people and tech services and are hugely proud of our continued partnership with COPS.”
Special guest, Survivor Ali Gibb, addressed the audience with a moving speech about his experience of losing his son PC Daniel Gibb, Metropolitan Police, on duty in 2010.
Mr Gibb said in his speech: “When Daniel died, part of my wife, Sandi, died with him. Yet every time we attended a COPS event with other Survivors, it always rekindled a small spark in her. It’s challenging to fully articulate the importance that COPS holds for me.”
Chief executive officer of COPS, Lisa Meads, said: “The Winter Ball is not just an evening of celebration, but a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers and staff every day. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success, from our generous supporters and sponsors to those who participated in the auction and golden ticket draw. The funds raised will go a long way in helping us support families during their most difficult times.”
The evening was hosted at the National Memorial Arboretum, against the backdrop of ‘The Beat’ memorial – an avenue of trees representing police forces and fallen officers across the UK.
For more information about COPS and how you can get involved in future events, please visit https://ukcops.org/