A second charity football match is to be held in memory of the late former Chief Constable Simon Cole, as a way to honour his life and to help his colleagues grieve the loss of a “great man”.
Simon Cole passed away last March 30, just 12 days after retiring from the role of Chief Constable for Leicestershire Police. It was a role he had held for 12 years.
In order to honour Simon’s memory, a charity football match is being played this evening (Wednesday, May 10) at Loughborough University’s Robert Allison Stadium.
The Leicestershire Police football team will again be taking on an XI from West Midlands Police, with kick off at 7.30pm.
Last year, a similar match took place in Simon’s memory, which was won by Leicestershire Police. Over £1,000 was raised for COPs UK – a charity which supports the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.
Inspector Wayne Nimblette is one of the organisers of tonight’s game, alongside Sergeant James Thomas from Leicestershire Police and PCs Daniel Hitchmough and John Norgrove from West Midlands Police.
“Playing football is just a way of being able to express our thoughts and to grieve really,” revealed Mr Nimblette, who was Mr Cole’s last staff officer.
“Sport is a really good way of bringing people together to enjoy Mr Cole’s life. It’s a celebration of a great man,” he added.
“Simon was someone who was very well thought of and he enjoyed policing immensely. He also enjoyed giving back to the community and he enjoyed his sport, so it’s a fitting tribute really, and something we intend to do annually.
“We’re hoping to see as many people as possible there and, with any luck, we can make it back-to-back wins for the force.”
Entry to tonight’s game is £5 cash, with all proceeds going to COPS UK.
This also guarantees entry into a raffle, with prizes including; a signed Leicester City shirt, a Northampton Saints signed rugby shirt, a rugby ball signed by Jonny Wilkinson, a Williams F1 signed baseball cap and a Leicester Riders family ticket.
Anyone who is unable to attend but wishes to make a donation – which includes entry into the raffle – can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/2023SimonColeMemorialTrophy
Follow @leicsPolFooty on Twitter for updates.
