Over £10,000 raised following charity cycle challenge in memory of Inspector Graeme Rooney

Officers and cyclists in Formby have raised over £10,000 in memory of much loved friend and colleague Graeme Rooney, who sadly died one year ago today.

Merseyside Police Inspector Graeme, 51, was cycling in Altcar, near Formby, when he was involved in a collision with a van on Tuesday, 2 June 2020. He was taken to hospital where he sadly died of his injuries.

Graeme was an avid cyclist and member of local club Formby Velo, and on Saturday (29 May) his fellow club members, joined by friends and colleagues from Merseyside Police, took part in ‘Ride4Graeme’ a 24-hour cycling challenge to raise money in his memory.

The money raised – over £10,000 including Gift Aid so far – will be donated to ‘Everton in the Community’, a charity close to Graeme’s heart as a passionate Everton fan.

Superintendent Diane Pownall said: “Today marks one year since Graeme’s death, and his loss is felt by his friends and colleagues at Merseyside Police every day.

“As well as a fantastic family-man, police officer and friend, Graeme was a keen cyclist and the ‘Ride4Graeme’ challenge over the weekend was a fitting tribute to him. The number of people not just taking part in the challenge, but who came out to show their support, demonstrates just how loved and respected Graeme was by all.

“A wonderful amount of money has been raised so far and will go on to make a real difference to a cause that Graeme was passionate about, something I know he would be extremely proud of.”

If you would like to donate, you can find more information here:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Ride4Graeme?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=campaign&utm_content=Ride4Graeme&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=4ee1c1a1c2db475e8c91765a97d9de9d