Bravery Awards: ‘Cancer Club’ founder awarded Sam Hughes Inspiration in Policing Award

26 January 2024

A sergeant who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago has received the Sam Hughes Inspiration in Policing Bravery Award after he set up a support group for others living with the illness.

Darren has been recognised for selflessly providing a ‘lifeline’ to colleagues facing cancer, despite undergoing treatment himself.

Having discovered a lump on the side of his head in 2022, the father-of-two was referred to hospital by his doctor, where he was given the devastating news that he had skin cancer.

The lump was removed and following further tests, Darren was told the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. The cancer was treated through targeted therapy in the form of tablets.

West Midlands Police Force’s wellbeing manager Sophie Petrie.

“At the time, when I was being treated for cancer, I felt like there was no support at work available. There are so many invaluable support networks - yet, there seemed to be nothing for those living with cancer, a disease that not only affects so many of us but can kill us,” said Darren.

“So when I returned to work I decided I wanted to set something up. And that’s where the ‘Cancer Club’ was born.”

Darren just so happened to be sharing an office space with the Force’s wellbeing manager Sophie Petrie at the time, who helped him set up the club and nominated him for this award.

“The Cancer Club is the one club that no one wants to be part of. It’s for those living with or those who have lived with cancer,” explained Darren, who was told he was cancer-free in October last year.

“When I was told I had cancer, everything went through my mind: the kids, my partner, money, work - everything. And you just want someone else to talk to about it, someone who has been there and experienced those feelings.”

The Cancer Club meet virtually every quarter providing invaluable support and advice to ‘members’.

Guest speakers from across the Force are often invited to join the meeting by way of providing that extra element of support to those attending.

“I also want to stop the stigma surrounding cancer,” said Darren.

“I think so often people hear 'the C word' and attach it to dying. And although that so sadly does happen, it’s not always the case - I want to provide a safe space for people to have honest and open conversations in.”

Darren has also created a document for colleagues to access, full of vital information that will help them if they have been diagnosed with cancer.

“My first piece of advice to those who have been diagnosed with cancer is ‘don’t go on Google’ and my second piece of advice is ‘don’t go on Google’,” said Darren.

“The document basically contains the information you want to know but that the doctors can’t tell you - for example, advice about work and pay, or why you should always take someone with you to your appointments.”

Speaking about winning the award Darren said ‘it just doesn’t feel right’.

“There can’t be many people who get an award without stepping foot outside the police station,” he said, adding: “I just want to support others and if that’s what I’m doing through the Cancer Club then that is great.”

Looking forward, Darren and Sophie are now working towards providing sun cream for officers who work out in the community during the summer.

Having supported Darren with the launch of the Cancer Club, Sophie said: “The thing that strikes me about Darren is there is absolutely no personal gain from this whatsoever. He simply wanted to bring people together who could offer advice and guidance.

“Darren has the biggest heart and he is so passionate about caring for others. Over the past few years, the group has suffered their own personal losses - including Sam and the effects of their cancer can still be felt today, yet Darren continues to remain aware and sensitive to every single person he interacts with.

“I am so proud to call him my friend.”

The Sam Hughes Inspiration in Policing Award is named after former branch chair Sam Hughes who died in March last year at the age of 53.

The mum-of-two who joined the Force in 2003, was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017.

She became deputy chair of West Midlands Police Federation in 2021, just a short time before she was given a further cancer diagnosis.

The awards will take place next week, on Wednesday 31 January, when Darren will receive his award.

The West Midlands Police Federation Bravery Awards is sponsored by Slater & Gordon Solicitors and will be held at Tally Ho Conferencing and Banqueting Centre in Edgbaston.