Benevolent Fund member Chris and his wife Sharon, are both retired West Midlands Police officers. Chris has been suffering with Dementia for a couple of years now, and Sharon has become his fulltime carer.
“We have both been paying into the Benevolent fund since joining the police and didn’t opt out on retiring, but in truth, I’ve never really given any thought to what they actually do”, explained Sharon.
“Unbeknownst to Chris or I, the Ben Fund are, among other things, there to offer financial support to police officers in time of need. I had no idea what that actually meant, a loan, a grant, a contribution?
“I submitted a form for funding for an en-suite. Within a week, the fabulous Steve Newbury, from the Benevolent Fund, was sitting on my settee discussing exactly what Chris’s immediate and future needs would be. To cut a long story short, we answered a few questions, we filled in a couple of forms and we submitted a few quotes and on Friday I got a phone call.
“The Benevolent Fund agreed to cover the full cost of the renovations to the en-suite. To say I am amazed, overwhelmed, shocked beyond belief is an understatement. To realise I didn’t even know this help, this support was even available, makes me feel rather stupid.
So, I just wanted to say thank you to the West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund.”
Chris and Sharon
When most people reach retirement, they look forward to the next chapter in their lives – more time to spend doing the things they always dreamed of doing, but never had the time whilst working. Retirement can provide an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, the chance to take up a new hobby, or go off travelling.
These were the hopes of serving officer, Steve Knight just before his retirement in February 2017. He joined West Midlands Police back in 1987 and signed up to the Benevolent Fund soon after, never doubting for a minute the good work the Ben Fund did for its members.
Upon his retirement, Steve wisely carried on with his membership with the fund. He felt fortunate that during his 30-years police service, he never actually found himself in a position where he needed to ask for assistance.
However, life was about to drastically change for Steve, his wife Sam and his growing family and so too were all his retirement plans.
In December 2023, 58-year-old Steve was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a debilitating and progressive disease with sadly no cure.
“I’ve lost so much since my diagnosis, the ability to walk any distance, cycle, play golf, dress myself and wrestle with my grandsons, to mention just a few of the things that I miss,” explains Steve.
“But I still have so much to enjoy and I endeavour to live life to the full as best as I can.”
Due to the progressive nature of Steve’s illness, it quickly became apparent that their home was no longer equipped to meet his changing needs. The local authority agreed to assist with half of the cost for adaptions to be made in the home, but the remaining cost would have to be met by Steve and his family.
With his MND illness developing at pace, the couple’s savings were being quickly absorbed by the unforeseen circumstances they were thrown into and the expense that came with it.
We were made aware of Steve’s terminal illness and following a swift visit to the member’s home our Board of Trustees and Operations Committee unanimously agreed that the West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund would cover the remaining cost in full of the building adaption work so desperately needed at Steve and Sam’s home.
The grant enabled their driveway to be resurfaced and the installation of assistance ramps and rails to the front and rear of their home. The Benevolent Fund also paid for an internal lift system to be installed so that Steve can continue to go upstairs independently.
“Having served for 30 years I know all about the camaraderie with my fellow officers”, explained Steve.
“I never considered the Benevolent Fund would feel such a continual part of the police team spirit but it does. Words cannot express my thanks for the support given. And I just want to thank all the members the staff, Chair, and committee members for the support and work they do.
“I have a wonderful family and friends who are all such a support to me. And the Police family is part of that support.
Thank you again.”
Steve and Sam (We are saddened to announce that Steve sadly passed away on 27.05.26. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Sam and the family at this difficult time)
Retired officer, Robert Hill was discovered collapsed on the floor at his bungalow by a close friend in January this year. The 82-year-old had suffered a stroke affecting his speech, his memory and his mobility.
After a short stay in hospital and regular physiotherapy to regain movement to his left-side Robert returned to his bungalow. Although relieved to be back home, the stroke had greatly impacted on his mobility meaning daily activities, such as walking and showering had become a difficult chore.
The small compact bathroom wasn’t suitable and Robert required a bathroom conversion to enable easy access to the shower, sink and toilet facilities.
The Benevolent Fund was made aware of Robert’s situation and granted the pensioner £6,000 to pay for all the necessary modifications.
“I look back on my policing career with fond memories,” explains Robert.
“I joined the West Midlands Constabulary, as it was known back then, at the end of 1971 and was stationed at Brierley Hill, my home town. I was 28-years-old and had lots of jobs prior to joining the police.
“I was promoted in 1980 and after a spell in CID I moved to Bournville Lane to work in the Central Drugs Squad before returning back to CID at Dudley Police Station. My final five years in the job were spent on the Fraud Squad.
“If I could speak to any new officers or staff joining West Midlands Police today, I would say, please sign up to the Benevolent Fund, it’s a must, it’s such a good investment. You might never use it, I hoped I would never use it, but after being retired from the job for nearly 27 years I did eventually need their help.
“I happily paid into the Benevolent Fund for over 50 years and I was happy knowing that my contribution was helping others. Little did I know that it would end up helping me later in life.
“My stroke came out of the blue earlier this year. I had no warning signs but I’m so grateful that the Benevolent Fund helped me.
“Thank you so much for all you do to help others and for what you have done for me, I am so grateful.
“I wish you, the Benevolent Fund charity well and all the serving officers and staff too.”
Retired member, Robert Hill
