Cops who came close to death fundraise for police dog charity

10 March 2023

The fundraising pin badge.

Two cops who have both come close to death while on the line of duty have told how they have turned their trauma into something ‘paws-itive’, after raising more than £2,500 to support retired West Midlands Police dogs.

PC Paul Hopley and PC Gareth Phillips, along with Gareth’s wife, Lisa, have been fundraising cash for the Retired West Midlands Police (WMP) Dog Benevolent Fund, which helps to pay for the ongoing care and treatment of retired and injured canines.

Dog handler Paul auctioned off artwork featuring his five-year-old dog, Stark, a German Shepherd, who was seriously injured and almost lost his eye during an incident in 2020. 

“Inspired by Stark’s story, an artist from Cheltenham, Tamsin Stuart, got in touch, asking if she could paint him. The original painting was donated to me, and then Tamsin arranged for further prints of the painting to be produced and either sold or auctioned off,” explained Paul.

Three years ago, on the day of the attack, Paul recalled how Stark’s brave actions prevented an offender, armed with a machete, from attacking him.

Despite needing surgery and stitching following the attack, Stark took only six weeks to recover in which time he unbelievably qualified as a firearms support dog - with the training managed due to the risk of his injuries getting infected.

“Stark is one of a kind and the bond we have is unbreakable. While we didn’t receive direct support from the Retired West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund, they do offer incredible support to Stark’s colleagues - both serving and retired - and I’m well aware that we might need their support in the future. The work they do is invaluable,” Paul continued.

“These dogs go out every day and protect our communities, protect our officers - I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to look after them, as they have looked after us when they retire.”

Fellow dog handler PC Lisa Phillips, who works alongside Paul, has also been helping to fundraise for the Retired WMP Dog Benevolent Fund, by selling enamel pin badges that feature Central Motorway Police Group’s mascot Perry Bear next to police dog Stark.

Lisa’s drive to fundraise came after her husband Gaz welcomed new police dog Kensi into their home, by way of helping with his recovery after he was seriously injured, having been run over and almost killed by a car thief in 2019.

Gaz and Lisa homed Labrador Kensi, who happened to be born on the same day Gaz was released from hospital following the incident.

Over the past four years, Kensi has had two litters, some of which are additional police dogs within the Force.

“We wanted to raise money for a charity that is close to our heart,” said Gaz, who has returned to work as a driving instructor.

“It’s so important that our four-legged colleagues don’t get forgotten about when they retire. They are an essential part of the police family.”

The fund helps to ensure treatment like operations, blood tests, medication, X-rays and hydrotherapy are accessible by retired dogs, all of which can make their last few years of life much more comfortable.

To date, the pin badges have been sold internally, although the Gaz said they have ordered an additional 850 to sell at this year’s Crufts, being held at the NEC this week.

Visit the fund’s website for more information.