David Walliams tells ACC ‘Keep up the amazing work’
27 May 2020
David Walliams is the latest high-profile celebrity to publicly support a group of officers, staff and friends from West Midlands Police and other forces nationwide who are running the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in the autumn to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND) and the Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove.
The author, comedian and star of TV show Britain’s Got Talent has recorded a video message backing the team who are supporting West Midlands Assistant Chief Constable Chris Johnson who has MND.
On hearing of his diagnosis, West Midlands Police officer and Federation workplace representative Detective Sergeant Trudy Gittins decided to take part in the marathon and urged others to join her by setting up #WMPMND with the full support of Chris’ wife and fellow officer Sharon. Now more than 350 people have signed up for the event which, due to the coronavirus outbreak, has been re-scheduled for October 24 and 25. It was originally due to take place last Sunday (24 May).
Olympian Paula Radcliffe quickly threw her support behind their efforts, before good-luck videos came in from TV cop Vicky McClure, from the BBC’s Line of Duty, and Ruth Wilson, the star of series like Luther, Jayne Eyre and The Affair.
Now David Walliams has sent a wonderful message to offer his support.
“Hi Chris, David Walliams here,” he says. “I have been told about your diagnosis and I realise that this must be an incredibly tough time for you and your family.
“I hear you are still working, serving and helping your community. You are a hero. Keep up the amazing work.”
Sharon reacted to David’s message by saying: “Love that man.”
Money is already pouring in towards the #WMPMND fund-raising target months before the rescheduled date of the half and full marathon.
Their initial target was £12,000 and when that was reached, it was increased to £16,140 (Chris’s collar number).
Recent efforts have now seen that figure surpassed too and the current target stands at a staggering £27,520, which is Sharon’s collar number. At the time of writing, more than £19,000 has been pledged.
Those efforts were helped last weekend (Sunday 24) when, encouraged by Sharon, supporters took to the streets for run ‘for an hour’ and donated into the pot, while asking friends and family to do the same.
Those taking part included South Wales Chief Constable Matt Jukes, Commander Alex Murray from the Metropolitan Police, Deputy Chief Constable Serena Kennedy from Merseyside Police, Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir from West Midlands Police plus other officers from Derbyshire, Surrey, Staffs and North Wales.
Sharon said: “Team, you have done me proud. Chris and I are so grateful that we have smashed the target.”
While Chris commented: “Today has been truly inspiring. This MND thing is a bit rubbish but seeing everyone’s posts has been completely uplifting for both Sharon and I. I want to say thank you to every one of you that has taken part and for the efforts you have taken to help raise awareness and funds for both MNDA and Primrose Hospice. My collar number target has been smashed. You are doing α great thing, thank you and I look forward to seeing the sea of yellow at the main event later in the year.”
After seeing a Facebook post showing the fund-raisers’ efforts on Sunday, he added: “This post, all these pictures….I think it is a bit dusty in here. Thank you.”
DI Chris Jones wrote a song called: ‘On The Run. A Charity Song for MND’ which has been released to support efforts. It was sponsored by West Midlands Police Federation and policediscountoffers.co.uk
Paula Radcliffe has recorded a video to urge people to download the tune.
“If you download that song, you can donate and by donating you will be entered into a prize draw that has some amazing prizes in it,” said Paula.
Watch the video that accompanies the ‘On The Run’ release. Just a pound will make a huge difference and will enter you into the prize draw.
Download the song as WAV or MP3 and please share it with family and friends as there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs!
