Friends run in memory of murdered pal

[3rd April 2008]

A Leicester police sergeant and a friend will be running the London Marathon for the charity Crimestoppers in memory of their friend and colleague, PC Melissa Ward, who was murdered last year.

Police Sergeant Toby Day, and his friend Darren Smith are taking part in the 26 mile run to raise money for Crimestoppers, the independent charity which operates the anonymous 0800 555 111 number to help the police solve crimes and catch criminals.

Toby, 33, who lives in Melton, Leicestershire said: “It is an honour to be taking part in the London Marathon and raising money for such a worthwhile charity in Melissa's name.

“I have been a police officer for over 14 years and have seen first hand the vital assistance that Crimestoppers can give to an investigation. Crimestoppers' anonymous phone line means that anyone with details of criminal activity can pass them on anonymously, without fear of exposure or retribution. Often the information provided can be the missing piece of the jigsaw which enables us to bring a criminal to justice.”

Darren, 34, from Stamford, Leicestershire said: “Melissa's first arrest was from information passed to Crimestoppers, so she appreciated how valuable the service is. After seeing how crime devastates people – their families and friends - to be running for a charity that helped Melissa do her job and to know that the money we raise will help Crimestoppers continue its fantastic work, will be so rewarding. I ran the marathon last year as well – it was the most emotionally and physically challenging events I've ever done.”

If you would like run the Flora London Marathon for Crimestoppers in 2009 please visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org .

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For further information please contact Lisa Gains, Media Officer on 020 8254 3226 or lisa.gains@crimestoppers-uk.org .

Notes to editors

Crimestoppers is an independent charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every 5 days is charged with murder, as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.

Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received almost 950,000 calls with useful information, resulting in over 80,000 arrests and charges. Over £100 million worth of property has been recovered and over £145 million worth of drugs.

Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988 he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.

Charity number: 1108687