A poignant football match has been held in memory of former Chief Constable Simon Cole, with the Leicestershire Police team winning 6-0 in a fitting tribute to “the boss”.
The Simon Cole QPM Memorial Cup Game, raising money for COPS, was held at the Tally Ho sports ground, in Pershore Road, Edgbaston on May 1.
Friends, family and former colleagues of Mr Cole, gathered for the game, which saw a team from Leicestershire Police take on rivals from West Midlands Police.
Simon, aged 55, who recently retired from the force, was found dead at his home address in Leicestershire in March.
Wayne Nimblette, Simon Cole’s staff officer and who helped organise the match, along with Leicestershire Police officer James Thomas and West Midlands Police officer Danny Hitchmough, said it was a fitting occasion.
“There was a bit of pressure knowing Simon’s family were attending but everyone there was passionate about being there and those playing all knew him,” he said. “It was a good day.”
More than 100 people turned up including Simon’s wife and children, with his son Ben joining in the match.
The game featured West Midlands Police brass band, a guard of honour, and a raffle drawn at half time.
Following the game, the winners Leicestershire (by a resounding 6-0) were presented with a Simon Cole QPM memorial trophy.
Wayne said: “Credit should go to both forces. The match was played in the right spirit. It was competitive with everyone giving it their all, but respectful.
“The boss loved his sport. His first love was rugby, but he was involved in everything. This was very fitting for him.”
He added: “COPS is really important and we’re so glad we have done something to help the charity and do something to honour the memory of Simon.”
The Simon Cole QPM Memorial Cup Game will become an annual event, with next year’s game taking place in Leicester.
The sudden loss of Simon Cole left everyone who knew him shocked and devastated.
COPS chair of trustees Sir Peter Fahy paid tribute to him.
He said: “Simon, as well as being a remarkable police leader, was an ardent and passionate trustee and supporter of COPS. There are few that have done so much to raise funds and build our profile. Simon led from the front.
“As a trustee, Simon juggled the meetings with all his other interests such as police sport and of course the reality of all the demands of running a police force.”
Sir Peter added: “We celebrate all that Simon achieved for COPS, his great commitment and all the fun he brought. We celebrate his great humanity, his public service, his integrity, and resolute values.”
The memorial cup game raised more than £1,000 for COPS.
To leave a dedication or make a donation in Simon’s memory, visit: http://ow.ly/q2yv50ITaZO
