Mother of fallen Gwent officer proud to represent Wales at police memorial day

26 September 2023

The mother of a Gwent Police officer who died following a road traffic collision says she was proud to light a candle in honour of fallen officers at the National Police Memorial Day.

During the service’s Act of Remembrance, four candles representing each of the nations in the UK were lit to remind people of the ‘undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom we remember today’.

Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Ellis, 29, who died in September 1989, represented Wales.

“I’ve done it once before,” she said. “I am very proud to do so, and I am very proud to do it for Adrian.”

Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Ellis.

This year was the 20th anniversary of the National Police Memorial Day and Dorothy recalled attending the first event at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Speaking in an interview played before the service at the New Theatre in Cardiff, Dorothy talked about the significance of the day.

“I went to the very first memorial day at St Paul’s Cathedral and that was when I realised I wasn’t in the world on my own,” she said.

“There were lots of people there who have lost family, like my son.

“They are a good support but I wished I hadn’t needed them and Adrian was still here.”

Dorothy added: “He was a loving boy. A true loving son.

“We were totally devastated and have remained that way ever since.”