A CARING detective not only saved Christmas for a Solihull charity last year but also helped pay for families to visit the seaside during the summer.
Last November detective constable Mark Bates setup a Go Fund Me Page after cruel thieves broke into Meriden Adventure Playground and stole toys and clothes meant for struggling families over Christmas.
He wanted to raise enough funds to replace the stolen items and return smiles to children’s faces.
DC Bates called on kind-hearted residents and businesses alike to dig deep and within a short space of time had raised a huge sum of money that not only replaced the stolen items with some to spare.
The money leftover was used to send families to the seaside and in August two coach trips were organised to Barry Island with Mark waving the group off on their travels.
Johanna Battista from the Meriden Adventure Playground Association, said: “Mark showed genuine concern and a strong willingness to raise enough money to replace the stolen gifts and clothes, but we couldn’t believe the amount that was raised.
“Staff from the Meriden Adventure Park Association, volunteers and all of the families who attend the park are very grateful to Mark for all the money he raised for the seaside trips, supporting and caring about his community and for being our hero.”
Sergeant Darren Basterfield said: “We’re really proud of Mark and the work he has done to raise money for such a great cause. It’s great to see how the community have benefited from his fundraising efforts.
“As police officers, the community is at the heart of everything we do and working alongside Meriden Adventure Playground Association, Mark has gone above and beyond to do something really special for families in Solihull.”
