Fundraising inspector on a mission to run in murdered cop’s memory

26 November 2023

A West Midlands Police Federation member on a mission to raise money for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund has finished off the year with two marathons and a half-marathon for the charity.

Collin Baker completed this year’s Chicago Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon in October, before taking part in the Wendover Woods Half Marathon, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire - all in the space of a few months.

His fundraising efforts are driven by his determination to keep Nicola’s memory alive after the Great Manchester Police Officer was tragically killed when attending a routine burglary in 2012.

“It is so important that we continue to raise money in Nicola’s memory and for the fund that has been created by her dad Bryn,” said 48-year-old inspector Collin.

“What happened that tragic day, when Nicola was killed, could have happened to anyone. It was simply the wrong place, the wrong time for Nicola and I think that’s why her death has had such a huge impact on officers across the country.”

Collin Baker and fellow fundraisers in Chicago.

The fund was launched by Bryn Hughes MBE, Nicola’s father, and aims to provide learning opportunities and pre-employment skills support through grants to children who have a family member who has died as a result of violent crime.

“As an inspector, I’ve seen first-hand, the children that the fund could help. There will never be a shortage of kids who need support from the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund, and that’s what keeps me going when the running gets tough.”

While Collin admits he is a keen runner, he is pleased that he has been able to ‘make good use of a hobby’.

“I don’t just run for Nicola, I run for Bryn too, especially as he continues to campaign for a medal to be awarded in honour of fallen emergency service workers,” added Collin, who said the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington was the toughest run he has done to date.

“I’ve been running for eight years but that one got me. It was very humid, which made it very hard to run. I decided not to go for a personal best time, and instead, just enjoy the route.”

Determined to continue fundraising in 2024, Collin will be kicking off the new year with the Marrakesh Marathon in January, before taking part in the Brighton Marathon in April, ahead of heading to California to run the Big Sur Marathon that same month.

Collin Baker in Washington.

“I am particularly excited about the Big Sur Marathon, as it’s one of the races I’ve always dreamt of taking part in,” said Collin, who is one of just 4,500 runners lucky enough to get a place.

The Big Sur is an annual event which sees participants run along the Pacific Coast.

“As always, these events are all self-funded and will each help me raise money for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund,” continued Collin, who is already exploring 50km events that he can take part in to mark his 50th birthday in 2025.

Keen to get more people involved, Collin is encouraging others to join him at one - or more - of the events next year.

“Bryn will be organising a return to New York in November next year and we would love as many people as possible to come along and be part of the team,” he said.

“And for those runners who don’t fancy a full marathon, Bryn promotes an annual ‘run to remember’ event, which involves participants signing up to run one or two miles each day for 11 days. This can be done in your own time and from wherever you are in the world, so is a great way to get involved, whatever your running ability.”

To date, Collin has personally raised around £4,000 for the fund. You can donate by visiting Collin’s fundraising page.

For more information on how you can support the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund email info@pcnicolasfund.co.uk.