Fundraising officers vow to keep murdered PCs’ memory alive

14 December 2022

Collin pictured at the New York Marathon.

Three West Midlands Police Federation members who took part in this year’s New York Marathon in memory of Nicola Hughes, 10 years after the GMP officer was tragically killed while on duty, have told how vital it is to continue raising money in her honour.

Inspector Collin Baker and Firearms Supervisor Andy Mandefield were joined by more than 30 fellow officers who all ran the 26.2 mile route around the Big Apple for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund in November.

The pair have since spoken about their experience, as well as highlighted the importance of keeping Nicola’s memory alive, as well as remembering Fiona Bone, who was also killed while attending a routine burglary in Manchester.

“Whenever I run for charity, I run for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund. I wear the charity’s t-shirt with pride,” said Collin, who took part in this year’s event with his wife, Anna, who is a nurse in the NHS.

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

“I didn’t just run for Nicola, I ran for Bryn. We’ve become good mates over time - and as runners, we’ve become a little community. We’re like a family, I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true,” added 47-year-old Collin.

“Looking back at the day when Nicola and Fiona were killed, well, that could’ve been any of us. I think it resonates throughout every officer, across every force.”

Collin, who is a keen runner has spent the past seven years taking part in endless events, including multiple marathons and an ultra-marathon, helping to raise more than £3,000 for the charity.

“There are other ways to run for the charity, you don't have to run a marathon. ‘Run to Remember’ is an annual fundraiser that Bryn organises, which involves people running one or two miles each day, for 100 days. People are more than welcome to contact me if they'd like to get involved in 2023.”

Fellow runner Andy ran the route with his wife, Louise Wooff, who is also an officer in the Force.

“I’ve previously run ultra-marathons and Iron Man challenges but always wanted to do the New York Marathon, so when I heard the charity was taking a team over it just made sense to join them - especially as this particular cause is so close to our hearts,” said 40-year-old Andy, who together with Louise, has helped raise more than £1,500 for the fund.

“The day was just brilliant, a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially the blue light escort our team got to the starting line.”

Andy and Louise, a detective sergeant, have been married for eight years, after initially meeting while working in the same response team 14 years ago.

“On the day of the New York Marathon, it was strangely warm. We decided to run as a pair, and just enjoy it and take in the environment. We definitely kept each other going,” added Andy.

“We were able to see New York together and finish the route together, that was awesome.”

Andy, who explained how he and Louise welcomed their daughter around the time that Nicola and Fiona were murdered, said: “Becoming a father made me not only see what happened from an officer’s point of view but as a parent too. I can’t even begin to imagine what Bryn went through and continues to go through.

“For Bryn, as well as Nicola and Fiona’s other loved ones, it is so important to keep their memory alive. We can never forget the ultimate sacrifice both officers made that day.”

More than 30 officers from forces across the country took part in this year’s New York Marathon for the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund, raising a grand total of more than £24,000 for the charity.