Embrace-ing the Snowdon Challenge for child victims of crime

This is the moment our team reached the top of Mount Snowdon while raising more than £27,000 for child victims of crime and their families.

The 45 officers, police staff and volunteers wanted to raise at least £20,000 for the Embrace Child Victims of Crime charity from their climb.

And they’ve actually raised more than £27,000. There’s still a chance to donate, if you want to help more children and young people heal after suffered trauma because of serious violence, exploitation, sexual abuse, domestic abuse or neglect, or who are grieving the loss of a close family member to homicide. Visit www.justgiving.com/team/embracesnowdon

Organiser Detective Sergeant Vicky De’ath was introduced to the valuable work of Embrace CVOC by public protection Investigating Officer Mandy Moxon, who has been the charity’s force representative for many years.

“I’ve worked in public protection for 11 years and specialise in sexual offences so I’ve seen the real benefits that Embrace brings to children who have gone through the most horrendous things.
“And I’ve been privileged to drive some of them to the coach which takes them on a therapeutic trip. The difference it makes to them is just amazing.
“As a detective, I can try to secure charges against suspects and help to get them convicted but what happens to the people affected afterwards? It’s not just the child, it’s their siblings, their parents, the carers. How do they get over it?
“The money raised by everyone on this challenge will help to change a child’s view of the world and, because there were 45 of us, we’re going to help change entire families’ views of the world and help them to come back together after a traumatic event.”
Detective Sergeant Vicky De’ath

After the team finished their challenge some of them shared their thoughts about completing the challenge and why they wanted to support the charity.

Jess Lofthouse, who works in our Crime and Public Protection Command, was inspired by an article she read.

“I just thought what an amazing charity giving these families hope and a chance to have some happy childhood memories after everything they have been through.
“I work on the Child Abuse Triage Team and, knowing what some children experience in their lives is heart-breaking, having the chance to help support them and challenge myself at the same time really inspired me.
“Some parts of Snowdon were very steep and challenging but knowing the reason I was doing it spurred me on and finally reaching the summit was an amazing feeling. We raised a huge amount of money between us, so it was all worth the pain.“
Triage officer Jess Lofthouse

“I felt relieved at the summit that I had achieved something and just wanted to get back down again as it was a long haul.
“I did the climb because I've met some young people that have endured and witnessed things in their home that should have been a safe environment and they deserve to have something positive in their lives but also know that others are standing up for them.”
Detective Constable Jackie Spooner, Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team

While police staff investigator Samantha Goddard, who works in our Child Abuse Investigation Team, says she wanted to take part because she has seen first-hand the effects crime has on children.

“We work tirelessly to put criminals away but these children will be affected and need support for a long time after any court case has finished and that is where Embrace are invaluable. 
“Reaching the top of Snowdon along with 44 others in their red Embrace T-shirts was a wonderful feeling, and every ache going down was worth it. I’m looking forward to the next challenge!”
Police staff investigator Samantha Goddard

Campaigns manager Pru Kingham says climbing Snowdon was challenging but fun.

“Reaching the top of the summit felt like a great accomplishment. I wanted to make a difference to the lives of young people who have been affected by serious violence and crime.
“The money we’ve raised will pay for a trip for some very inspirational young people who deserve some fun and happiness after being subjected to terrible things.”
Campaigns manager Pru Kingham

“Embrace CVOC is a brilliant cause. I ask my officers and staff to help people, keep them safe and catch bad people.
“We catch bad people and bring them to justice while safeguarding their victims but it’s after the court case that Embrace continues to help child victims of crime and their families.
“We know that violent events in childhood can have repercussions years later and so we need to support charities like Embrace because that’s also helping people and keeping them safe.
“And, sometimes, that help Embrace provides is required for years.”
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington

Anne Campbell, chief executive officer of Embrace CVOC, says that the pandemic stopped a lot of the charity’s fundraising activities and this Snowdon Challenge was one of the first group events to run since the lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions.

“The group has already paid for the first therapeutic trip for families this summer and, because they have raised so much more than was needed for that, the money left over will be used to support more children and young people in Essex and their families.”
Anne Campbell, chief executive officer of Embrace CVOC

Embrace CVOC is the only charity in the UK dedicated to working with children and young people who have been harmed by serious crime and experienced ‘the most horrendous things’, says Anne.

“We help those who have suffered the worst of the worst. Although last year we have just helped the largest number of people in our 29-year history, we know it’s just scratching the surface. Domestic violence and sexual violence are far more prevalent than most people realise."
Anne Campbell

The charity offers emotional support and specialist counselling for the children, young people and their families, as well as practical support for low-income families with clothing and food vouchers, tablets and phones, books, toys and other essentials. Working with partners, Embrace CVOC also provides days out and short breaks – such as trips to theme parks and West End theatre trips – to help families make new, happier memories.

 

If you want to organise your own fundraising event to support Embrace CVOC’s life-changing work with children and young people who have been the victims of the most serious crimes, you can find out more at www.embracecvoc.org.uk/events.

To find out more about Embrace CVOC visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk or, if you have any questions about the charity, you can email [email protected] or call 0345 60 999 60.