DI Fleming’s message to marathon runners
24 April 2020
A group of West Midlands officers who are running the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) have received support from a famous TV cop.
Vicky McClure, who plays Inspector Kate Fleming in the BBC series Line of Duty, has sent a personal video message to those taking part.
Over 350 officers from across England and Wales have got behind West Midlands Sergeant Trudy Gittins who set up #WMPMND to raise funds for MND and the Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove after ACC Chris Johnson was diagnosed with the condition.
The group of runners already have the support of Olympian Paula Radcliffe behind them for the rescheduled event in Liverpool on October 24 and 25.
Chris’ wife, Sharon, who has signed up for the half marathon, said she was in ‘tears of joy’ to get the video message from Vicky, the leading actress in one of the couple’s favourite TV shows.
“If this (message) isn’t motivation to get out there and push the fund-raising, what is?” said Sharon, who added that she has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support from the police community for the #WMPMND cause.
Sharon also paid tribute to the efforts of DI Chris Jones, who has put a huge amount of time and effort into supporting the fund-raising appeal.
In the video, Vicky, who is from Wollaton in Nottingham, says: “This is a message for ACC Chris Johnson. I want to send a massive thank-you for your 28 years of service in the police and for keeping everybody safe over that time.
“And a massive good luck to everybody that is running in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. I hope it goes really, really well for you.
“I also hope you enjoy the sixth series of Line of Duty when we get back to it. Lots of love and stay safe.”
The actress had become aware of the fund-raising efforts when the team contacted her agent to ask for a signed photograph.
“When Vicky became aware of the charity work and the reasons behind this she said she was ‘touched’ and recorded the message of support.,” says Chris Jones.
The police drama series has postponed filming on Series 6 because of the coronavirus outbreak.
