A police sergeant who received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to policing and fundraising for Oldham charities has shared how honoured he feels to have been recognised by the Queen before her death.

Sergeant Damien Hartley-Pickles, who is currently acting as a response sergeant in Rochdale, previously spent 19-and-a-half years based in the Oldham neighbourhood team.

He raised £50,000 for charities in Oldham and was given a BEM as part of the Queen's 2022 New Year's Honours List.

As Greater Manchester Police officers who have been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday or New Year's Honours List reminisce on their honours, Sgt Hartley-Pickles has done the same.

He said: "I am still so honoured to have received such recognition – especially being the last person from GMP to receive it from Queen Elizabeth II.

"As both a police officer and a fundraiser, I want to do something to help those who need it most and will continue to do so under His Majesty King Charles III."

Sgt Hartley-Pickles started fundraising for various hospices around the North West, before dedicating much of his time to Mahdlo, the Oldham youth charity, which supports underprivileged young people in the borough.

He also raised £25,000 for the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice 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.

Sgt Hartley-Pickles received his medal during a ceremony at Gorton Monastery in early June.

The ceremony was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and the Mayor of Oldham.

At the time he received the news he would be awarded a BEM, Sgt 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."