Retired Fed member raises thousands for ‘fantastic’ Police Treatment Centres

21 October 2024

A former North Yorkshire Police Federation member has heaped praise on the Police Treatment Centres (PTC) after he marked his retirement with a mammoth fundraising challenge for the charity this year.

After time across roads, neighbourhood, and response policing, Paul Cording completed his service to North Yorkshire Police in June, having joined back in 2001.

Shortly before his departure from the Force, he completed an incredible 78.8-mile run over the course of 24 hours in Harrogate.

The total distance of the feat translated into 126.8 kilometres, in a nod to the former sergeant’s collar number of 1268.

The run started from Harrogate Cenotaph at 1pm on Wednesday 12 June, concluding at the same time the following day, and was managed into 24 segments of 5.28 kilometres, starting on the hour, every hour.

Sgt Paul Cording's run started from Harrogate Cenotaph.

“I’d had the idea for a while of going out with a bang. Before the run, I was fully aware that I had set my ambitions very high and that I had my work cut out,” Paul said.

“Everything on the day went brilliantly, though. Of course, it got tough in parts, and the breaks I was getting before the start of a new hour were getting shorter and shorter every time. But it got to a point for me where, unless something drastic happened, I knew I was going to be successful in getting it done.

“I’ve done a couple of ultra-fitness events previously, and I’ve always said getting through them is 25 per cent physical and 75 per cent mental – and it was remembering people’s amazing generosity and support that drove me on.”

Donations made in sponsorship of Paul’s run totalled £7,557.89.

Police Treatment Centres

This went towards the Police Treatment Centres, which provide bespoke support to injured and ill serving and retired police officers - treatment Paul himself, has experienced.

In April, the 53-year-old enjoyed a two-week stay at the PTC’s branch in Harrogate, where he received treatment for a hip injury as well as general physiotherapy.

His training package was supplemented by gym classes, hydrotherapy and visits from therapy dogs.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the PTC after my experience in its care earlier this year,” he continued.

“What I love most about them is how bespoke and specific the treatment is to policing and to the individual. Reflecting on my career, I know that my body has been put to the test by the unique challenges of being in the police.

“Beyond the physical treatment, even just the conversations I had with professionals were very valuable in learning more about my own body. The staff are all a credit to themselves and I can imagine it’s a fantastic place to work.”

Before his own stint at the PTC, Paul says he was aware of a number of colleagues who had benefitted from time there and outlined his hopes for more officers to take advantage of its services in the future.

Support

He said: “I think the support I received in terms of the money raised is indicative of what police officers now know about the charity.

“However, I’m still amazed that there are still members of the force out there who either aren’t aware enough or don’t see the point in paying into it – without wanting to generalise too much, I think a lot of that is accounted for by young officers who don’t think they’ll need it.

“And I do get that, but what I’d say to those officers is you won’t always be young, and one day, the PTC might be exactly what you need.”

Former traffic officer Sergeant Paul Cording raised more than £7,500.

Paul, who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to policing and charity in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours, has enjoyed some 'much-needed' family time in his retirement so far. He said he spent the whole summer off with his wife, Michelle, and their seven-year-old son.

He added that while he is enjoying the rest and relaxation, he misses day-to-day interactions with his colleagues and felt for them amid the high-profile public order offences across the UK in July and August.

The former traffic officer ended by looking ahead to the possibility of future fundraising challenges.

“I’m sure they will come at some point,” he said.

“I still have that drive for more – I think that comes from knowing I can be the conduit between the charity and the supporters.

“The fact I was able to raise such a great amount for the Police Treatment Centres is something I remain very proud and grateful about, and it was an absolute honour to sign off from my career in this way.”

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