Disability champion, Elizabeth Dixon joins fellow ‘inspirational’ Batonbearers

Former Police Constable, Elizabeth Dixon took part in the Queen’s Baton Relay in her home town of

Stratford upon Avon last Friday, (22 July 2022) in the lead up to the UK Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Elizabeth with PD Czar

Elizabeth was nominated by Stratford District Council in recognition of her tireless campaign work with local organisations and businesses, to become more accessible for people with disabilities. She founded Accessible Stratford-upon-Avon and works on a voluntary basis with the local council as a Disability Advisor.

We also know Elizabeth as a loyal Ben Fund member and a former dog handler for West Midlands Police.  She was appointed the first female dog handler for the Force back in 1979 until a serious accident, while on duty in 1986, tragically cut her career short.

Although medically retired from the Force, she continued with her Ben Fund subscriptions, supporting our police charity over the years. In 2017, with help from the Police Dependents Trust, we gave a little back to Elizabeth, by jointly funding her specialised powered wheelchair.

After Friday’s baton relay Elizabeth told us: “I felt proud and humbled to be nominated and then selected as a baton bearer.

“It was an amazing experience. My special baton journey began on the Recreation Ground after the Children’s Play Area moving towards, what we call, the Dry Arch giving access to the Recreation Ground by the Accessible Children’s Cycle track. There were masses of spectators lining the route to show their support.

“It was lovely to see everyone and to have a good chat with the two police officers escorting me, a West Midlands officer on my right and a Warwickshire officer on my left!

“An amazing day, great memories and I’m thankful and honoured to have been nominated.”

Elizabeth is pictured here, at the end of the route, by Shakespeare’s statue near his Birthplace.