Federation members invited to walk in memory of PC Cheryl Lloyd

16 June 2022

Both serving and retired officers who knew PC Cheryl Lloyd are being invited to take part in a walk to mark the anniversary of her death 17 years after she was tragically killed in a car accident while on duty.

Cheryl’s sister, Sue Brace MBE, admits she was “blown over” upon hearing an event has been organised in memory of her sibling, despite it being almost two decades after she died.

Sue said she was “pleasantly shocked” when retired Suffolk police officer Tim Walker approached her about the walk, which will be taking place on Saturday (18 June).

“Cheryl really would’ve been so chuffed,” she added. “Things like this really do help to keep her memory alive.”

The walk, which is taking place around Alton Water, will provide an opportunity for colleagues of Cheryl to not only remember her, but speak out about their own mental health.

“I know her colleagues really struggled when she died,” said Sue, “In fact, some of her colleagues couldn’t even talk about it. This walk will also give people the chance to share how they feel and talk to one another.

“For us, Cheryl’s death still feels like yesterday but, as a family, we had to get on and talk about her, to keep her memory alive. Her colleagues though, not all of them dealt with what had happened.”

On the day of the walk, those participating will also be raising money for COPS (Care of Police Survivors), a charity that supports the bereaved families of officers who have died.

Sue, who later took on the role of president of COPS after Cheryl died, said: “Cheryl was at work that day, just doing her job, protecting the public, and she didn’t come home.

“We’re really lucky to have received the support we have done through our extended police family but not everyone gets the same care.”

Backing calls for a new award to be created recognising fallen emergency service workers, Sue says: “Having that recognition will mean so much to the families. It will give them something to treasure and help to keep their name alive.

“Every year, a young lad – not an officer, just a local member of the community – rides for Cheryl in the UK Unity Police Tour and after every year, he gives the bangle from the event to a different member of our family. It’s things like that which bring us closer to Cheryl, and the proposed Elizabeth Medal would do the same.”

Tim, a former officer, who reveals he was actually persuaded to join the force by Cheryl more than 20 years ago, is organising the walk and encouraging fellow members of the police family to join him.

“Just because it’s been 17 years, Cheryl shouldn’t be forgotten,” he said.

“The night that Cheryl died, while I wasn’t on shift with her, I was still working and if I close my eyes, I can, to this day, remember how I felt, I can still smell the smells.

“It’s hard to imagine that 17 years have passed since an event, which I know for so many, marked the loss of someone so many of us remember only with love and smiles. Cheryl was a valued colleague, kind and generous friend.

“Not everyone talks about how they’re feeling and as well as remembering Cheryl, this walk will encourage participants – especially the men – to open up.”

Tim, who retired from the Force after being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) said he believes walk prompt people to talk more.

“You’re out in nature, and there’s no pressures around you. It’s a great way to get things off your chest,” he added.

“I would love people to join me on the walk, even if they don’t know me personally but just knew Cheryl. Let’s remember Cheryl together.”

The walk will begin at 8.45am from Lemons Hill North Car Park (just outside of Tattingstone), with Sue joining walkers for a coffee break at Alton Water Cafe around 11am.

Tim is aiming to finish the walk at 12.30pm, followed by a meet in The Shannon pub after.

Those wanting to join Tim are welcome to take part in some of, or all the walk, or simply come along for a bite to eat. For more information, contact Tim by calling 07359 276 682.