Police team sails into charity challenge

4:04pm Thursday 28th August 2008

A Greater Manchester Police team are swapping warrant cards for windbreakers to raise money for a crime-fighting charity.

The GMP team will be one of 20 police crews taking part in the Capgemini Sailing Challenge on the Isle of White on September 27 to raise money for Crimestoppers.

They hope to raise £10,000 by sailing 60 nautical miles, marking the 20th anniversary of the crime fighting charity, with each of the teams battling against the other forces involved to cross the finish line first.

The GMP officers and staff taking part are all members of GMP's Blue Line Yacht Club, part of the force's Sports and Social Club.

They will be led by experienced sailors Inspector Andrew Hudson and control room manager Andy Massey, supported by Detective Chief Inspector John Piekos, Sergeant Eddie Goff, Inspector Alan Kelly and PC Kevin Wick.

Inspector Andrew Hudson, GMP team leader, said: "While our main priority is to raise money for charity, I have no doubt there will be some friendly rivalry between the forces involved.

"Crimestoppers is an invaluable resource for the police as it allows the public to give information about crimes anonymously to help officers to trace offenders and make communities safer.

"We are delighted that we are able to support this charity by raising money through sponsorship."

Helen Turnbull, Business Development Director, Capgemini said: "We are delighted with the response we have received from police services across the UK with an overwhelming 20 forces setting sail in September. Working collaboratively and as a team will be crucial to success in this challenge, something Capgemini has at the heart of its business".

Sue Arden, Regional Manager of Greater Manchester Crimestoppers Board, added: "Although we are a nationally recognised brand, very few people actually understand that we are a charity and our reliance on donations and corporate support is crucial to our work. I salute our National Strategic Partner, Capgemini for coming up with such an innovative fundraising challenge which will hopefully bring in some much needed revenue for Crimestoppers. In the spirit of healthy competition good luck to our Greater Manchester Police team."

Since 1988, Crimestoppers has been a vital piece in the crime-fighting jigsaw, working in partnership with the police and other law enforcement agencies in helping to get serious criminals brought to justice.

In addition to its 24-hour call-centre, Crimestoppers runs the hugely successful "Most Wanted" website.

The charity recently reached an important landmark, when it received its one millionth actionable call, with useful information to be passed onto the police.

The Capgemini Sailing Challenge aims to raise over £100,000 for national initiatives such as the creation of a toolkit for Neighbourhood Policing Teams and further development of the successful Crimestoppers youth website which is doing so much to help combat the gun and knife culture affecting parts of the country at the moment.

It also has an e-mail facility, enabling young people to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Those keen to support their local team can send cheques made payable to "Crimestoppers trust" be sent to:

Fiona Murray, Divisional and Partnership Support Unit, Hyde Police Station, Clarendon Road, Hyde, Manchester, SK14 2JZ