A SERGEANT who spent 19-and-a-half years based in the Oldham neighbourhood team and has raised £50,000 for charities has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Sergeant Damieon Hartley-Pickles, who is currently acting as a response sergeant in Rochdale, is known throughout the force, not only for his dedication as a police officer, but the exceptional efforts he makes in his personal time to raise money for multiple charities in the local area.

The sergeant began fundraising for various hospices around the North West, before dedicating much of his time to the Oldham youth charity, Mahdlo, which supports underprivileged young people in the borough.

Damieon has organised and taken part in 24-hour football matches, as well as running around his back garden over 4,800 times with his wheelbarrow to complete a half marathon, an effort that saw him raise over £1,700 for the NHS and Mahdlo.

The Oldham Times:

Sergeant Damieon Hartley-Pickles during a fundraising challenge.

In additional to helping Mahdlo raise money for support sessions for young people, Damieon visited the charity regularly when he was a neighbourhood officer in Oldham.

During his visits Damieon engaged with the young people at the youth zone by getting involved in activities and helping them understand how anti-social behaviour could have a negative impact on their local community. As a result, incidents of anti-social behaviour decreased, and the community felt safer.

In addition, Damieon has also raised £25,000 for the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham, who provide specialist care for adults with non-curable, life-limiting illnesses, by running a total of five marathons, 42 half marathons and twelve 10K runs with his trusty wheelbarrow in toe. He has also completed an Everest Base Camp Climb which raised £16,000.

The Oldham Times:

Sergeant Hartley-Pickles during a 'Brave the Shave' challenge.

Chief constable Stephen Watson said: “The list of charities Damieon has supported and fundraising events he has taken part in is extensive, and he is truly deserving of the British Empire Medal. His award recognises both the time and commitment he has dedicated to charity work and helping others, but also the difference he continues to make for our local communities.

“Our officers are committed to public service and helping the people of Greater Manchester and Damieon embodies this quality magnificently – many congratulations to him, we are very proud of his achievement.”

The Oldham Times:

Sergeant Hartley-Pickles at the Manchester Run in 2019 .

Sergeant Damieon Hartley-Pickles, said: “I am so honoured to receive such recognition. It's truly unbelievable, particularly as there are so many people whose contributions are so deserving of this accolade. “I started my charity work for the same reason that I joined the police – I wanted to give back to society and do something to help those who need it most.

“I must recognise my wife and my family, who provide me with so much support and have had to put up with every ache and pain following each marathon run and each mountain trek, as well as my friend and colleague, chief inspector Danny Appleton, who has been the spearhead of our sporting marathons, in both organising and joint participation, raising thousands of pounds for Mahdlo.”