A NEW West Midlands Police dog has been named in memory of a wannabe young cop who lost his brave battle against brain cancer.
The German Shepherd has been named Finn after 11-year-old Finlay Church who raised more than £150,000 for Brain Tumour Research and Birmingham Children’s Hospital before his passing in November 2015.
The police-mad schoolboy helped organise a series of fundraisers after his diagnosis – including a world record for the Longest Line of Teddies!
He made an unforgettable impression on staff at West Midlands Police after fulfilling an ambition to spend a couple of days with the force.
And it’s led to the force’s Dog Unit naming one of its latest crime-fighting recruits ’Finn’ in his honour.
Police staff surprised Finlay’s family by arriving at his old Alvechurch Middle School with the 12-week-old pup while they were organising a fundraising Wear A Hat Day in aid of brain tumour research.
Finlay’s mum Penny said: “This is the most wonderful gesture to have a police dog named in honour of Fin.
“West Midlands Police has always been incredibly supportive of us and our fundraising work and to keep Fin’s legacy alive in this way is very humbling.
“He loved dogs and desperately wanted to be an armed response officer so this really is a fitting tribute. We can’t thank the Dogs Unit enough for enabling police dog Finn to live out Fin’s aspirations.”
Family and friends have continued with fundraising for Brain Tumour Research since Finlay’s death.
Last year police hats belonging to West Midlands Police officers – including one from Chief Constable Dave Thompson – helped set another unusual record for the amount of headwear in a row.
The force was keen to recognise Finlay’s enthusiasm and dedication to helping others right to the end.
Sergeant Phil McMullen – who has taken part in some of the charity events – said: “Finlay was an aspiring police officer and we were all deeply saddened when he passed away.
“He wanted to help others which is one of the greatest qualities a PC can have.
“We had discussed the idea of naming a police dog after Finlay and this seemed a nice time to surprise his family.
“Finn the dog struck up an instant bond with them and we hope he will soon be out on the beat to help the public – just like his namesake.”
People can support fundraising in his name at www.justgiving.com/teams/finlaysjourney and follow Facebook at Finlaysjourney.
