"Paula still inspires": charity walk in memory of colleague

Paula continues to inspire as our Southend Specials raised £700 for Havens Hospices as part of a fund-raising walk in memory of their colleague, Special Constable Paula Butteriss.

Paula was an Essex Police volunteer officer who recently lost her battle with cancer, and in honour of her memory, colleagues from Southend’s Special Constabulary walked 17 miles, commencing at Southend central on Sunday 18 August, to raise much-needed funds for Havens Hospices.

Dean, Paula’s proud husband, walked alongside the charity walkers for every step of the 17 miles.

Special Chief Inspector Samantha Wright, said:
It was a fantastic team effort in the summer heat, completing the walk in memory of Paula and by way of support to Havens Hospices.
Paula’s husband joined us for the journey, and we stopped halfway to present Dean with some items that celebrated the valuable contribution Paula made to our volunteer officer team.
In life, Paula inspired us all with her positive can-do attitude and she continues to inspire us all, that’s why we took up this challenge.
It was a pleasure to be part of such a special event, on a great day.

The special presentation was made by Special Superintendent Michelle Hill, who added:
Paula was a friend and valued member of our close-knit Special Constabulary team in Southend.
Although Paula is sadly no longer with us, her spirit and legacy continues to live on through colleagues, friends and family who came together to undertake fundraising for Havens Hospices.
A great effort by the team, with thoughts of Paula throughout, saw them complete their goal on such a warm day, raising lots of money for a worthy cause.

Paula loved running, ran marathons all over the world, supported the Finish Line Fund and throughout her illness, raised money for charity.

Previously, Paula inspired her Southend Specials colleagues to walk 20 miles to raise money for a defibrillator for use in Priory Park.

So far, the walkers have raised £700, but there’s still time to donate in support of the good work Havens Hospices undertakes.

Sharon Davies, In Memory Fundraiser at Havens Hospices, said:
We can’t thank Essex Police’s Southend Special Team enough for their heart-warming fundraising in memory of their dear colleague Paula.
During her illness, Paula was a champion of Havens Hospices, a cause very close to her heart.
We’re so very grateful to accept this generous donation in her memory, which will help continue making every day count for more local people like Paula.

If you would like to donate and help Havens Hospices, visit Justgiving.com.