Category: Suffolk Constabulary

Six intrepid sailors are taking part in what could be the biggest Suffolk fundraiser ever for charity Crimestoppers.

Sergeant Mitch Lock from Suffolk Constabulary’s Firearms Training section has put together a team of officers who will compete in the Capgemini Sailing Challenge at the end of September.

With the help of a skipper, the crew will set off from Cowes and sail round the Isle of Wight.

“None of us are accomplished sailors and a few have only had experience with small dinghies,” said Sgt Lock. “It’s not going to be easy and it definitely won’t be a case of setting up the sails and then sitting down with a gin and tonic! It’ll take us about 12 hours and in that time we’re going to have to battle against changing winds from different angles and we might have to deal with sea sickness too.”

The team, including Inspector Les King, Sergeant Martin Memory, Detective Constable Samantha Jenkins, Station Clerk Elizabeth Game and PC Dave Taylor, are looking forward to the event. “It’s a great opportunity and we can’t wait for the adrenalin rush.”

The six will compete against 25 other police crewed boats from around the country and are hoping to contribute over £5000 to the organisers’ £100,000 target. Sgt Lock said charity Crimestoppers was an extremely worthy beneficiary. “It’s great because the money raised by us is going to come back into the community,” he said.

Sgt Lock is organising a variety of red-letter days to raise money for the event, including visits to the firing range, skidpan at the driving school and sailing lessons.

If you wish to make a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/capgeminisailingchallenge-suffolkpolice or contact Mitch Lock on 01473 613973.