Parliamentarians and members of the Metropolitan Police met on the rugby pitch this weekend to raise money for Care Of Police Survivors in memory of PC Keith Palmer, who was tragically killed earlier this year during the terrorist attack on Westminster.
The game was played between the Commons and Lords Rugby Football Club and the Metropolitan Police Rugby Football Club at Richmond Park. Both teams put in a strong performance, with the Metropolitan Police finishing ahead of the Commons and Lords.
Rugby MP Mark Pawsey, who is the Chair of the Commons and Lords Rugby Football Club, was part of the Parliamentary team alongside fellow MPs James Cleverly and James Heappey. The Metropolitan Police team included officers who were on duty on Wednesday 22nd March 2017, the day of the attack on Westminster.
The game has so far raised over £8,000 for the Care Of Police Survivors Charity, which is dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives whilst on duty.
Speaking after the game, Mark said:
“It is always a pleasure to play for the Commons and Lords Rugby team, but this weekend’s game against the Metropolitan Police Rugby Football Club was particularly special as it was in memory of PC Keith Palmer. PC Palmer died earlier during the horrific and senseless attack in Westminster on Wednesday 22nd March 2017, doing the job that he loved.”
Mark continued:
“Care of Police Survivors is a really important charity which helps support the families of police officers who lose their lives in the line of duty, as PC Palmer did this year. I am delighted that this match has raised over £8,000 to support their work and I am very grateful to everyone who turned out on the day, whether to play or to watch our game and cheer on both sides.”
Mark concluded:
“This charity game was also an opportunity to give thanks to the brave men and women of our emergency services who run towards danger when most people run away from it. The police, our emergency services and our security services put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis and they deserve our thanks, and our gratitude, for all that they do. I am very pleased that we were able to support COPS through this game.”