A football match is to be held in memory of Simon Cole, former chief constable of Leicestershire Police, and to raise money for a charity close to his heart.
The charity game is being hosted by West Midlands Police on May 1, to raise money for COPS Charity, which supports the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.
It is a charity which was widely supported by Simon Cole QPM, the former Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police who passed away on March 30, just 12 days after retiring.
The game, which will take place at Tally HQ, Edgbaston, Birmingham, will see a team made up of officers from West Midlands Police, face off against one from Leicestershire Police.
The winners of the match will be presented with the Simon Cole QPM Memorial Cup.
The event has been met with encouragement online, with many honouring the former Chief.
“Simon was one of life’s good guys. RIP”, wrote one supporter online.
“What a wonderful gesture”, added another.
The sudden loss of Simon Cole last month, hit not only the Leicestershire public and neighbouring Police forces, but those all across the country.
“Aside from the enormous impact that Simon had in Leicestershire, Hampshire, and West Midlands Police, he played a significant role on the national stage to improve policing, to keep people safe, and to provide the best possible service to the public”, said said National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Martin Hewitt.
“Perhaps more importantly from a personal perspective, I reflect on the role that Simon played as a fellow chief officer, colleague and friend.
“He was always supportive, always curious and interested. Always innovative, very often challenging. He did everything for the right reasons and with a smile on his face.”
Kick off for the charity football event will be 5pm, with a raffle to be drawn at half time.
To find out more about the COPS charity, or to donate, visit: https://ukcops.org/
