President of the Police Superintendents’ Association, Paul Griffiths, has spoken of being ‘overwhelmed’ by the support he has received during his annual charity challenge.
On Saturday 18th July, Paul set out to cycle the famous route between John O’Groats and Land’s End, covering over 950 miles, completely unsupported.
The ride was in aid of Police Arboretum Memorial Trust (PAMT), for which Paul is a trustee, and is in the final stages of an ambitious campaign to raise at least £4 million to design, build and maintain a new UK Police Memorial, at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance.
Having set out to raise £1500 for the charity, his total now stands at over £3,500, and will reach over £4,000 with gift aid contributions.
Paul was also able to visit the National Arborteum site during his journey. Fellow trustee, Sir Paul Scott-Lee met him at the site to mark his challenge and to offer his continued support.
Paul explains, “I set myself a challenge for charity every year. Every year they’re tough, both physically and mentally, but this was particularly hard, as I wasn’t able to train due to the constraints and demands of the pandemic.
“I was regularly posting updates via Twitter and I have been completely overwhelmed by the support I’ve received.
“From much needed food and drink, help with bike repairs, cycling with me, drop offs, collections to kind words of encouragement, I have been helped and supported at so many points throughout the 950 miles.
Paul explains, “I set myself a challenge for charity every year. Every year they’re tough, both physically and mentally, but this was particularly hard, as I wasn’t able to train due to the constraints and demands of the pandemic.
“I was regularly posting updates via Twitter and I have been completely overwhelmed by the support I’ve received.
“From much needed food and drink, help with bike repairs, cycling with me, drop offs, collections to kind words of encouragement, I have been helped and supported at so many points throughout the 950 miles.
“This support from the police family has been humbling, and alongside the ‘virtual’ support I’ve received online and via the phone, it made the challenge so much more bearable. To have smashed my fundraising target makes every mile worthwhile and I hope it will help towards the fantastic work of PAMT, which now, more than ever, is of vital importance to recognise the work and sacrifices of the Police Service.”
Donations to the charity can still be made at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/Paul-Griffiths2020.
To find out more about PAMT, visit www.ukpolicememorial.com/the-trust