National Police Memorial Day: paying tribute to PC Cheryl Lloyd

23 September 2025

The sister of a Suffolk Police officer who was killed on duty 20 years ago, will join families from across the country to pay tribute at the National Police Memorial Day (NPMD).

Sue Brace MBE will be accompanied by Suffolk Police Federation secretary Ben Hudson in honouring PC Cheryl Lloyd and the UK officers who have been killed or died on duty.

“It’s always an incredibly emotional service,” Sue said. “For me, it’s very personal because Cheryl died on duty.

“It’s a way of honouring her memory, but also of paying tribute to all the other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

 

PC Cheryl Lloyd.

 

Cheryl, who was 42, was killed when the patrol car she was driving collided with a stationary lorry as she attended an urgent call on 18 June 2005.

She had joined Suffolk Constabulary in March 2000 after having previously served as a Special Constable. She was stationed in Ipswich where she drove the urban response vehicle.

A tutor constable, she had performed duties as an acting sergeant and was due to receive a Chief Constable’s Commendation after helping rescue a man from a river in August 2004.

This year’s service takes place at Coventry Cathedral on Sunday 28 September.

Line of duty

It brings together loved ones, colleagues, senior officers, faith leaders, and politicians from across the UK to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

For Sue, the service is not only a time of remembrance but also one of solidarity and support for other families.

“When you go, you’re reminded of your own loved one, but at the same time you’re supporting those who have also lost someone,” she explained.

“It helps because you know you’re not alone.”

She described the service as ‘deeply moving’ occasion, marked by pride, sadness, and reflection.

One of the most powerful moments comes when petals fall, each representing an officer who has died on duty.

Poignant

“That’s when I always cry,” Sue said. “It’s just so poignant.”

Sue, a former president of Care of Police Survivors (COPS), said she was looking forward to reuniting with friends she has made through the charity, as well as from other forces.

“For me, the day keeps Cheryl’s memory alive, but it also makes people think about others who have lost their colleagues,” she said.

“It encourages people to value and support those who continue to serve.”

Sue is also looking forward to meeting officers from America, who are set to form the ceremonial guard of honour with colleagues from UK forces.

Sue said that over the years she had attended memorial events in the United States, where American officers had welcomed her as part of the wider policing family.

Police family

“The police over there treat us the same as their own,” she said. “It reminds us that we are part of a much bigger police family that stands together.”

There is still time for Suffolk Police Federation members to register to attend the service.

And members can share their memories and messages on the NPMD Tribute Wall, which is now live.

“It’s a ceremonial occasion, with officers in uniform, lots of senior people present, and tributes being paid,” she said.

“And at its heart, it’s about remembering. It’s about saying that our loved ones are not forgotten, and that their service and sacrifice will always be honoured.

“That’s very powerful.”

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