EEAST back incredible challenge by Hertfordshire police officer

A north Hertfordshire road traffic officer is teaming up with PC David Rathband to complete the London Marathon this month for the Blue Lamp Foundation - a charity set up to support members of all three emergency services injured on duty as a result of criminal action.

PC Rathband is the Northumbrian officer who was left blind in both eyes after being shot in the face by gunman Raol Moat in July 2010. Gareth Rees, who is based in Stevenage, was severely injured in December 2008 after a vehicle collided with him following a road traffic collision on the A505 between Baldock and Royston. Both suffered severe injuries but are dedicating themselves to helping others get through the incredibly testing times that follow such life changing events.

Communications manager Gary Sanderson is a close friend of Gareth and is hoping to help support him throughout several events being held this year, he said: "Gareth is working extremely hard to organise fund raising events in and around Hertfordshire, and these will be publicised in future editions of In Touch for staff to help out or make a donation to the charity. Its amazing to think Gareth is now back at work in the road policing office but his goal is to get back in the driving seat of a response car."

Gareth said: "I am eternally grateful for the support I have received from friends, family and colleagues and a big thank you to the ambulance and fire crews based at Stevenage station and particularly his wife, who was three and a half months pregnant at the time of the accident.

The Blue Lamp Foundation has to date raised just under £60,000 but it's hoped that the marathon challenge will boost that sum considerably. They are supported by celebrities including their patron Duncan Bannatyne of Dragon's Den fame.

If you would like to support the pair's efforts, go to:
www.justgiving.com/PC-David-Rathband