Police charity rugby match raises thousands in name of lost colleague
Tuesday, 06 July, 2010
Officers and colleagues of PC Bill Barker raised just under £2,000 when they took part in a charity rugby match in his memory.
Thursday 17th June 2010 saw the fifth charity rugby match between Police Officers from Whitehaven and Workington who were for the Dr Jack Strain trophy and in memory of PC Bill Barker who died during the November floods last year.
The closely fought match ended with a Whitehaven win of 23 - 15.
The match was attended by Hazel Barker and her family who joined the teams and spectators in a minutes silence for Bill. Hazel spoke at the event and presented man of the match, Matt Noden, with the new Bill Barker Memorial Plate.
After a few words from Area Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson, the Whitehaven winning captain Ben Strain collected his Father's trophy for the fifth time. After the presentations, players and spectators were then entertained with music by Laid Back Jack who have supported the Police rugby for the last four years and have volunteered their services free of charge.
Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson, in charge of Policing in West Cumbria, said: "It was great to see so many officers and staff from across West Cumbria come together to support this good cause. It was a well fought match and a spectacle which I'm sure Bill would have really enjoyed. It was nice to see Hazel and the family enjoying the event with the constabulary this year and it is something we will continue to do for many years to come. Thank you to everyone who donated towards the event."
This year's chosen charities, the Great North Air Ambulance and West Cumbria Autistic Society will benefit from the £1,850 raised from the night's raffle, auction and donations from local businesses.
Special thanks go to, Laid Back Jack, Whitehaven Rugby Union Club, the referee, Haigh's the butchers who provided the players with a pie and pea supper, Brookes, Argos, Tesco's and the dozens of local shops and businesses that provided raffle and auction prizes.
