Leicestershire Police, has launched an ambitious fundraising initiative to redesign and refurbish the memorial garden at the force headquarters as a tribute to its fallen heroes
This project will be entirely funded by charitable donations through the Mattioli Trust, which has set up a JustGiving page to collect contributions. Leicestershire Police, the Trust, and other partners will be reaching out to local businesses and stakeholders for support, encouraging staff to organise and participate in fundraising events, and inviting the public to contribute to the cause.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
Every donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated as each penny will go directly toward the project. The fundraising target is approximately £200,000 to renovate the garden and its memorials. Any funds raised beyond this goal will be used for ongoing maintenance and care.
The Mattioli Trust is supporting the initiative by offering matched funding donations up to £20,000 to help meet the renovation target.
The Leicestershire Police memorial garden serves as a peaceful place to remember officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. It is also a space for officers, staff, and visitors to find tranquility away from the stress and challenges of policing.
However, the current garden is in urgent need of significant investment due to the wear and tear it has suffered over time. It requires modernisation to ensure accessibility, replacement of memorial plaques and benches, and landscaping improvements to create a larger, more functional space for ceremonies and events such as Remembrance Day and National Police Memorial Day.
Picture credit: The Mattioli Trust
The force has already reached out to the families of those commemorated on the memorial plaque, and a fundraising evening for local businesses, organisations, and stakeholders will take place on April 9. This event will provide further details about the plans and allow for questions to be answered.
Chief Constable Rob Nixon QPM shared: “The garden holds deep personal significance for me, Ian, and many others, as it provides a place for us to remember those who gave their all to keep our communities safe. It is also a place where family members, across generations, come to connect and honour their loved ones.
“Policing is more than just a profession; it is a challenging and unique calling, defined by acts of heroism and sacrifice. When an officer or staff member passes, it impacts everyone, as we are all part of the police family.
“We’ve created a JustGiving page because we know there are members of the public who would like to contribute to this important project. Their support will help create a sanctuary for our serving officers, allowing them to decompress and reflect in peace. The garden will also serve as a visible and lasting tribute to those who have served and are no longer with us.”
Ian Mattioli MBE DL, Founder and Trustee of the Ian & Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust, said: “I have great admiration for the work police officers do, often in complex and emotionally challenging situations. This garden is not only a tribute to those who have passed but also to those who continue to serve today and in the future.
“Policing is an essential and demanding job that not everyone could do — I know I couldn’t. The garden is simply a way to say thank you to the entire police family for their service to our communities.
“We understand the financial challenges many people face, so I cannot emphasize enough that every contribution, no matter how small, will help us create this special space. One hundred percent of all donations will go toward the garden, and I personally will match donations up to a total of £20,000. Our goal is to bring supporters together to create a serene and respectful space for remembrance, ensuring it remains a fitting tribute for years to come.”
To contribute to the project, visit the JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/policememorialgarden
