Friends and colleagues of a North Yorkshire police officer tragically killed as he responded to an emergency call are continuing with their efforts to raise money to support the young family he left behind.
PC Andrew Bramma died when the police van he was driving left the road and struck a tree near Ripon on 5 January 2013.
Following his death, a fund was established to support his two sons, Jack and Sam, who were aged just 3 years and 11 months at the time of their father’s death.
Since then, fund raising activities have been taking place in North Yorkshire, in Greater Manchester where he served until four months before he died, and also in his home town of Leeds.
Sgt Mike Stubbs, of North Yorkshire Police Federation who set up the fund, said:
Thanks to donations from members of the public, police officers around the country, and in particular, Andrew’s former colleagues in North Yorkshire and Greater Manchester Police, together with members of Stanningley Rugby League Club where he played, more than £20,000 has been raised for the ‘Jack and Sam Fund’. But we are aiming to substantially increase that in the coming months.
Wristbands bearing PC Bramma’s Greater Manchester and North Yorkshire warrant card numbers have been produced and are now available for a suggested donation of £1.
Sgt Stubbs explained that the wristbands have been made in yellow, blue and white to represent Andrew’s great passion for his hometown clubs, Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United.
Sgt Mike Stubbs said:
We are extremely grateful to Leeds Building Society who agreed to cover the production costs of the wrist bands. It is particularly appropriate as they are a major sponsor of Leeds Rhinos.
Sgt Stubbs also praised the efforts of PC Bramma’s colleagues around North Yorkshire who have undertaken a variety of activities to support the fund.
At Harrogate police station, where PC Bramma was based, a number of cake sales and raffles have been held, and police officers and staff have taken part in sponsored events such as the Yorkshire Warrior endurance challenge.
There had also been substantial donations from Stanningley Rugby League Club where events including a concert and a rugby league match between Stanningley players and police officers from across the north of England has been held.
North Yorkshire Police Federation have arranged a dinner dance in aid of the fund which will be held in Harrogate on 20 September 2013.
Sgt Stubbs added:
With recent research showing that the cost of bringing up a child is now more than £200,000, we want to do as much as possible to ensure that Jack and Sam have the same opportunities that they would have had if Andrew had still been here to provide for them.
Wristbands are available from the North Yorkshire Police Federation office at Knaresborough police station and from enquiry desks at Harrogate, Skipton, Northallerton, York, and Scarborough police stations.
Donations to the fund can be made by cheque payable to ‘NYPF Jack and Sam Fund’ or by electronic bank transfer to the fund account, sort code 08 60 01 account number 20303088.
