In the spring of this year, a Sussex family was referred to the Fund and the dad, a serving police officer, has very courageously agreed to share his family’s experience to show how Police Children’s Fund can help when it is most needed. Here is his story.
“On the 26th of February 2023, Janine passed away in a tragic accident that left me and our three children, Owen, Harvey and Evie, without a loving wife and mother.”
“We were absolutely devastated and everything changed at this point but we have stayed strong and remain positive as a family and always try to remember the happy times we had. This has not been easy as every day, we carry a sadness that just does not go away. We work through our grief with the kindness and generosity of others who give their time and make thoughtful gestures.”
Dad, Darren, explained how his family became a part of the Police Children’s Fund community. “Sussex Police Federation made a referral to Police Children’s Fund who reached out to us and immediately became another group of people who have been there for us. I had attended a presentation where the speaker explained the support offered by the Fund but I never imagined that we would ever need their help, as a family, until we lost Janine.”
Darren went on to say, “Owen is now 19 and working full time, Harvey, now 16, has been accepted at Worthing College on a sports course and Evie is 15 and just started her final year of High School, with GCSEs next year.”
“The team at the Fund guided us through a simple application and the trustees approved an allowance for Harvey and Evie to help us out with anything related to their education, development and wellbeing. My children have really appreciated this as do I. Some of the money has been used towards gym memberships for both children and Harvey’s football costs. He is a keen player and football has been a great positive influence in his life.”
“I’m sure that at times they would like to have sweets and chocolate instead, but it remains my job to treat them, sometimes.”
Finally, Darren expressed how he wanted to use this opportunity to say thank you for the good work that Police Children’s Fund do. “I hope that people don’t find themselves in a situation like ours where they do need the Fund’s support, but if it is ever necessary then I can assure you that the team are very helpful, kind and professional. We are very grateful to them.”