Officers raise over £2k in memory of former officers

Colleagues across the emergency services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have raised more than £2,000 for charity, in memory of two former serving officers.

Colleagues across the emergency services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have raised more than £2,000 for charity, in memory of two former serving officers.

Members of Staffordshire Police Rugby Team locked horns with colleagues in the West Midlands Ambulance Service in a fiercely contested charity match, last Friday (25 April).

The event raised important funds for Doc Bike: a charity committed to saving the lives of motorcyclists in the UK.

A total of £2,300 was raised through a combination of ticket and refreshment sales on the day.

Former Police Constable Luke Van De Sande, who was due to complete firearms training, tragically died in service following a motorcycle accident in 2019.

His brother, Adam, battled valiantly on the force’s team who retained the Quilty Cup last week.

The event also honoured the memory of Detective Inspector John Quilty, who sadly died of cancer in 2020.

His two daughters presented the trophy, named after their father, in person at Stafford Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC).

Detective Chief Inspector David Wain, Chairman of the force’s rugby team, said: “We are so grateful for the fantastic support provided by the force in supporting these events.

“There were hundreds of people who attended – including local Police Community Support Officers and firearms personnel who had come together in support of a great cause.

He added: “I would like to thank Stafford RUFC for their hospitality and representatives from the IPA for their kind donation.

“Luke’s parents and brother really appreciated the support at the event and it was fantastic to see John’s daughter present the Qulity Cup to the victors”.

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