A senior police officer who lost her six-year-old daughter to cancer and turned her grief into a nationwide charity supporting children facing similar diagnoses has won the Inspiration in Policing Award, sponsored by Flint House.

Superintendent Lorraine Cuthbertson, of Northumbria Police, founded Mercy’s Mighty Foundation with her husband Paul after their daughter Mercy died in 2024, nine months after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

The charity has since supported more than 250 children across the UK by providing “dream craft boxes” to those newly diagnosed with cancer, offering comfort and distraction during what families describe as their most devastating moments.

Mercy was diagnosed in July 2023 after complaining of dizziness. Within 72 hours, Lorraine and Paul, both serving police officers, were told their daughter had a cancerous brain tumour and would likely live for between six and 11 months.

Lorraine has spoken openly about the impact of losing her only child, describing grief as something that has “no pathway, no timetable, and no end”.

Nearly three years later, she says Mercy remains her “first thought in the morning and the last at night”, and she visits her grave daily.

Despite the diagnosis, Mercy was described by her parents as “funny, strong and full of humour”, never complaining about her illness. “That strength is what inspires me to keep going,” Lorraine said.

Following Mercy’s death, Lorraine and Paul set up Mercy’s Mighty Foundation, a registered charity created in their daughter’s memory. The organisation provides craft boxes to children newly diagnosed with cancer, helping hospitals support families at the point of diagnosis. The boxes aim to restore a sense of normality and creativity at an intensely distressing time.

All funds raised go directly to the charity’s work, with Lorraine and Paul taking no financial benefit, to ensure Mercy’s legacy continues to help other children.

Colleagues at Northumbria Police and the Police Federation supported the couple during Mercy’s illness, giving them time away from work to focus on family life.

During those nine months, Lorraine said they “packed a lifetime of love” into the time they had together.

Despite the experience, she has remained in service and continues in her role as a superintendent and silver public order commander.

Lorraine, now in her 21st year of policing, says her personal experience has fundamentally shaped her leadership style.

She has become a strong advocate for welfare-focused policing, supporting colleagues and families dealing with bereavement and complex personal challenges.Her career has also included significant work in equality and inclusion. She previously served as the first ally co-chair of an LGBT policing network in Northumbria, championing representation and support for underrepresented officers.

She also self-funded a master’s degree examining minority stress within LGBT communities, contributing to research in an under-explored area.

Although described by colleagues as inspirational, Lorraine has said she does not see herself that way. Instead, she credits her daughter. “Mercy is the inspiration,” she said.

But those who have worked with Lorraine say her ability to transform profound personal loss into support for others is a powerful example of the human side of policing.

As one colleague put it, her story shows that policing is “not just about duty, but about heart, compassion and hope, even in the darkest of times”.

Nick Munnelly, chair of Northumbria Police Federation, said: “Lorraine’s courage, dignity and selflessness in the face of unimaginable personal loss are nothing short of remarkable.

“She has turned her grief into purpose, supporting police families and communities with compassion while continuing to serve with integrity and strength. Lorraine represents the very best of policing, and her resilience and humanity inspire everyone who has the privilege to work alongside her.”

Chief Superintendent Nicola Walker has thrown her support behind this nomination: “Lorraine is more than just an inspiring individual – she is a pillar of strength, an advocate for the unheard, and a source of unwavering support to everyone around her.

“The impact losing Mercy had on Lorraine and her family cannot be put into words. Yet despite going through life’s most unimaginable pain and challenging moments, Lorraine has shown up not just for herself, but for others who need her most at home, others outside of work and colleagues at work.

“Lorraine can lift individuals up, empower them to see their own potential, and provide steadfast encouragement, even when facing immense personal obstacles. Her ability to remain outwardly strong speaks to her resilience and dedication to making Northumbria Police, policing as a whole - and indeed the world - a better place.

“Lorraine is not only an inspiration - she is a force for change, providing perseverance, kindness and courage, and with this she transforms lives. She has no idea how truly inspirational she is to others through her own strength and resilience.”

Echoing these comments, Superintendent Lynne Colledge added: “Lorraine Cuthbertson is a truly inspiring Woman.

“Lorraine has driven improvements in the diversity, equality and inclusion agenda, which she has a clear passion for.

“The impact losing Mercy had on Lorraine cannot be put into words. However, Lorraine displayed remarkable fortitude in establishing ‘Mercy’s Mighty Foundation’.

“Despite her tragic loss, Lorraine returned to work in 2024 and continues to be an exceptional leader as a superintendent within Northumbria Police. Since coming back to work, Lorraine has thrown herself into public order operations. She has volunteered to work over and above to shadow other silvers and gain competence and now plays an invaluable role as a public order silver.

“Identifying a shortage of females in the public order world, Lorraine took it upon herself to coordinate ‘Direction to Outstanding’ activity, directly targeting female officers and showcasing public order. She also worked with comms and engagement on an attraction piece for public order. This article was very well received, and the comments are a testament to Lorraine.

“Lorraine is an inspirational leader."