Cops donate to charity

Jun 12 2009 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Friday

A DUMFRIES businessman and fundraiser was delighted to be handed a cash boost for a charity close to his heart.

Special constables from the local police force raised £81 during a quiz night and training weekend for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Michael Pattie accepted the cheque from Special Constable Jamie Kerr on behalf of the charity, which he himself has raised more than £140,000 for.

Mr Pattie was left heartbroken when his 13-year-old son David died from meningococcal septicaemia in 1999. He has since dedicated his spare time to raising awareness of the illness and has raising money for the charity.

Constable Graeme Stitt, who is the force coordinator for the Special Constables, said: “These officers regularly give up their time to assist the police in various duties and contribute towards the wellbeing of their communities.”

He added: “Jamie and his fellow officers held a quiz night while they were at the college to raise money which they wanted to go towards the Meningitis Research Foundation. We are happy to raise the £81 to help a very worthwhile charity.”