I think dealing with just police means the charity understands what kind of mental state we’re in, what kind of injuries we've got.

Volunteering with Police Care UK is giving me the opportunity to meet different people and make new friends; It certainly keeps me busy and is great fun.

I could either lie there and let it beat me or metaphorically stick two fingers up and get on with life

After experiencing a major brain injury in 2015, Jo Rhydderch from Gwent Police was rebuilding her life when she saw an advert for Police Care UK volunteers.

I am Anna Palfrey, a detective in Thames Valley Police. In September 2018 my partner Tom Dorman was hit by a car whilst on duty and, as a result of his injury, lost his leg below the knee. 

I realised I was paralysed. I couldn’t feel my legs. That was when it became abundantly clear that something serious had happened.

I can’t believe I'm alive. Doctors told me that having survived the accident I should have been paralysed from the neck down.

I felt like I had my life and dignity back. Now I’m able to look after myself properly again and that’s the most important thing.

When you loved being a police officer like I did, being forced to leave the job is like having your legs chopped from underneath you.

Denis Gunn talks candidly about losing his son, Richard, on the front line of policing

After his accident, my dad had to switch motorbikes for mobility scooters, and though this slowed down his pace of life, he didn’t let it affect his spirit.

I was beaten down, I was massively depressed and I couldn’t talk without crying all the time. Thankfully, I don’t have those thoughts now, and it’s because of the support and funding that the Police Care UK has provided and I’ll be forever grateful.

Matt Kerr from Lancashire Constabulary won the Shoulder to Shoulder award at the Police Care UK volunteer awards 2018. Below he tells his story.

I still miss the police terribly. I miss the camaraderie, the lifestyle and the horses. But I’m now doing something else that I love and getting noticed for it.

When Robert was found dead in his flat, Elizabeth’s first thought was ‘how do I tell my children’?