WMP Officer Wins National "Inspiration" Award

A CHIEF inspector from West Midlands Police has been named the nation's Most Inspirational Fundraiser at a high-profile event in London.

Fiona Irving, from the force's Learning and Development Department, joined A-list celebrities including Sandra Bullock, Emma Thompson, Helen Mirren, Jo Wood and Nigella Lawson to collect her trophy at the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Inspiration Awards.

The award was nominated and voted for by the public. It recognises individuals who have been inspirational in their efforts to raise money and awareness for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and in doing so have saved lives and inspired others.

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer last February, Fiona has raised an incredible £11,500 for the charity. She has also been an inspiration to her friends and colleagues with her outstanding optimism and determination to prove there is life after a cancer diagnosis.

Fiona's passion for life and dedication to raise money and awareness of breast cancer led her to tackle one of the most gruelling physical challenges imaginable - the 2010 Virgin London Marathon.

During training, Fiona was increasingly plagued with severe back pain. A refusal to let her supporters down, plus a steady stream of painkillers and jelly babies, saw Fiona complete the course in under eight hours.

One week later she was admitted to hospital with two broken vertebrae due to secondary spinal tumours.

Fiona has gone on to write an advice book on supporting a cancer patient, which has already sold over 1,000 copies.

She is a much loved and respected officer, winning the West Midlands Association for Women in Policing 'Shaping the Future Award' in 2009 for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of women in policing.

Fiona said: "I am absolutely delighted and overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received following a public vote for this amazing national award. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, colleagues and the general public for their support and vote.

"Being able to laugh in the face of cancer lets you continue to be in possession of yourself, hard though it may be, rather than ceding ownership of the disease. You are not your cancer and I am determined to raise money and awareness for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, who are committed to conducting vital research into the prevention and cure of cancer.

"After a challenging marathon and creation of my book, 'How to Support a Cancer Patient', money continues to be donated to this fundamental charity that has and will continue to save precious lives. Don't stop believing!"

For more information visit the website,

www.breakthrough.org.uk