Donations mount thanks to generosity of Police Museum visitors

Our new donation box is looking quite at home in the Bravery Cell at the West Midlands Police Museum, @WMPHistory and we are immensely grateful for the kindness of visitors who have donated to our charity.

Since the box was installed back in June, we have received over £300 in cash donations.

“This is a fantastic boost to our charity,” said Ben Fund Chairman, John Williams. “It’s very touching that even during these financially challenging times, the public are still thinking of us and giving what they can to support our vital work.

“This money will go straight into our funds to help more serving and retired officers, police staff and their families in times of crisis.”

So far this year we have given out over £65,000 in the form of grants and benefits, including over £14,000 to widows and orphans of deceased officers.

Ben Fund Manager, Steve Newbury (pictured left) met Heritage Manager, Corinne Brazier this week at the Lock Up, Police Museum, Steelhouse Lane to count the donations.

“We are incredibly proud of our police heritage and according to the Police Museum records, assistance from an earlier form of the Benevolent Fund dates back to the mid 1880’s”, explained Steve.

“It’s during November, the month of Remembrance, when we gather in front of the Roll of Honour at police HQ to remember the fallen officers, that we acknowledge the longevity of our charity’s work and the bereaved families we have supported,” added John.

John will be joining the Chief Constable, Sir Dave Thompson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Frost and representatives from the various West Midlands Police Staff Associations next Friday, 11 November, for the Armistice tribute at Police HQ.