A Mountainous Challenge
18 staff and officers from the Merseyside Mounted Section took part in a sponsored walk up Mount Snowdon, which at 1,085m is the highest mountain in Wales. All the staff and officers completed the climb and raised £482 for The Horse Trust.
Staff at the Mounted Section raised an additional £122 for The Horse Trust at the 2009 Blue Lights Horse Of The Year Show, a show held at Aintree Race Course where emergency service workers compete in categories including dressage, show jumping and an obstacle course.
Sarah Hamilton, Sergeant at Merseyside Police Mounted Department, sent the money to The Horse Trust last week.
"One of our horses, Sherwin, retired to The Horse Trust last year so we try to raise money for The Horse Trust whenever we can," said Sarah.
The Horse Trust, which is based in Speen, Buckinghamshire, provides lifetime sanctuary for around 100 horses, donkeys and ponies, including those that have been retired from their work with the Merseyside, Thames Valley, and Greater Manchester Police.
"We would like to thank the Merseyside Police Mounted Section for their fundraising efforts and donation to The Horse Trust," said Paul Jepson, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust. "It costs us £17 a day to look after each horse at the sanctuary. The money raised by the Mounted Section will help us to continue providing a secure and happy future to retired horses."
The Blue Lights Horse Of The Year show took place in August 2009. The sponsored walk up Mount Snowdon took place in October 2009.
Merseyside Police Mounted Section is based at Greenhill Road, Allerton, Liverpool. The mounted section has a staff of 1 Inspector, 3 Sergeants, 22 Constables, 11 Civilian Stable Hands and 25 Horses.
The Mounted Section provides neighbourhoods with an alternative response to reduce the incidents of crime and disorder, using an intelligence led approach, a tactical option in relation to public order and major incidents, as well as high visibility patrolling at football matches, rugby matches, race meetings and other special events.
