Retired inspector waves the flag for nation at New York Marathon opening event

15 December 2022

Alan Oliver.

“I thought, go big or go home,” said a retired inspector who wore a Union Jack suit when representing the nation at this year’s New York Marathon opening ceremony before running the 26-mile route in honour of Nicola Hughes.

Former Suffolk Police Federation member Alan Oliver was part of this year’s Parade of Nations, a celebration that showcases runners from across the globe and took place on Friday 4 November to kick off this year’s event.

Two days later, on Sunday 6 November, Alan took to the streets of the Big Apple, to run 26.2 miles as part of his ongoing fundraising campaign for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund.

“When I heard there was an opportunity to represent the nation during the opening ceremony of this year’s New York Marathon, I thought for about a nano-second - and pretty much applied instantly,” explained Alan.

“Soon after I got the email saying I was in and that I should wear something that represents my nation – and,honestly, I felt like a tiny flag simply wasn’t good enough. So I ordered a suit that was covered head-to-toe in Union Jacks next-day delivery on Amazon. Was it too much? No, I thought, go big or go home.”

Alan was among 50 others representing the nation during the ceremony, with the 57-year-old calling the experience ‘fantastic’.

“Because of my suit, everyone seemed to want a picture with me. I was even live on ABC News and posted on ‘The World Marathon Majors’ Instagram page. The atmosphere was just amazing,” added Alan.

“And not only did I feel like I was representing Great Britain but I was flying the flag for Nicola, for Fiona and for Nicola’s father, Bryn too.”

Alan joined more than 30 others running this year’s New York Marathon for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund, a charity launched in memory of the late police officer, after she and Fiona Bone were tragically killed 10 years ago following a routine burglary call.

“The whole day was amazing, from start to finish,” said Alan, who had been in the Force for 30 years before retiring in March this year and has taken part in a number of fundraising events to help bring money in for the charity.

“It was so great to come together with fellow runners, who all had the same goal - to raise awareness and money for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund.”

The team raised a grand total of more than £24,000 for the charity, which aims to provide learning opportunities and pre-employment skills to children who have experienced the death of a close family member as a result of violent crime such as murder or manslaughter.

Alan is also backing calls for officers who have been killed on duty to be recognised with a medal like the Elizabeth Cross, something Bryn has been relentlessly campaigning for.

“I know a medal would never bring anyone back, or replace officers killed on duty but for those mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, it will give them something - it will make such a difference to them,” added Alan.

“It’s the recognition they deserve. It’s such a small token, but it can mean the world to the loved ones of the officers who have been so tragically killed while protecting our communities.”

Alan is hoping to continue his fundraising campaign in 2023, with training for the Manchester Marathon set to begin in January.

“I’m part of a fundraising family now and I’ll do what I can to help the cause while keeping Nicola and Fiona’s legacy alive,” said Alan.