Raising rackets to raise cash for the Police Treatment Centres
Police Federation reps, Trustees, and supporters of the Police Treatment Centres are taking part in a 12-hour padelathon to raise money for the charity.
On Friday 14 August, the group will play padel tennis continuously for twelve hours at St Andrews, the charity’s treatment centre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. They will play on the centre’s newly opened padel court, built during a recent investment in the charity’s wellbeing facilities.
To make the challenge even more difficult, during time off the court, players will take turns cycling on static bikes. The aim of this side quest is to cover 210 miles – the distance between St Andrews and Castlebrae, the treatment centre in Perthshire, Scotland - as many times as possible.
Taking the challenge to "another level"
Stuart Cowan, Chair of the British Transport Police Federation and Trustee of the Police Treatment Centres, came up with the idea for the Padel for Protectors challenge.
Stuart Cowan said: “We are all big supporters of the Police Treatment Centres and have seen at first-hand the amazing work they do to help officers recover from physical injuries and mental health challenges.
“The charity relies on donations to provide its life-changing services, so in order to raise as much money as possible, we really wanted to test ourselves. The padelathon will be tiring, but adding the cycling challenge takes it to another level.”
Fundraising is crucial
Zoe Myatt, Head of Charity Engagement at the Police Treatment Centres, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the team is taking on this challenge in support of the PTC. Running both of our treatment centres costs around £7.5 million each year, allowing us to provide vital treatment and support to those within the policing profession. An incredible 90% of this funding comes from the generosity of Police Staff, Police Officers, and Retired Officers through voluntary monthly donations.
“Fundraising activities like this play a crucial role in helping the charity secure the additional income needed to continue this important work. We can’t wait to cheer the team on throughout the day and celebrate their fantastic fundraising efforts."
The players
The pedalathon team, who will play from 8am to 8pm on Friday 14 August, includes:
Stuart Cowan, British Transport Police Federation
David Threadgold, Scottish Police Federation
Liam Kelly, Police Federation for Northern Ireland
Darren Adams, Civil Nuclear Police Federation)
Rob Hay, Association of Scottish Police Superintendents
Nick Smart, Police Superintendents’ Association
Bethan Mann, Stark Events
Paul Buckle, Everywhen (formerly Ardonagh)
Simon Powell, Everywhen (formerly Ardonagh)
Show your support by making a donation and leaving a message of support on the group’s fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/page/padelathon-for-ptc