Hertfordshire Constabulary has raised more than £2,000 for the children’s wards at the Lister Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital following a barbeque and raffle that was held on Friday 28th June.
PC John Phelan from the Welwyn Hatfield Community Safety Unit organised the event, which took place at Hatfield Police Station, to help local three-year-old Elliot Harridge, who suffers from two rare chromosome disorders.
Elliot lives in Welwyn Garden City but has spent most of his life inside the children’s ward at the Lister Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
He is passionate about the emergency services, particularly the police, and when PC Phelan heard about his bravery, he and the team wanted to recognise this courage and help Elliot in his fight against his illness.
On Friday, staff and officers came together to enjoy the sunshine and raise money for two great causes.
The event was supported and attended by the staff of The White Hart pub in Welwyn village, who served non-alcoholic cocktails.
Elliot himself, also attended, arriving in style as he was picked up from home by a convoy of police vehicles.
Upon arriving at the station, Elliot was presented with his very own police hat and jacket that had been personalised with his name.
After a tour of the station, he was proudly promoted to ‘Sergeant Elliot’.
PC John Phelan said:
“Elliot is a superhero, and I am so glad that we have been able to raise this money to help him, and other brave children like him.
“Elliot really deserved this special day and watching his awe as he arrived in the police van and was given his police uniform was something none of us will forget.
“I would like to thank everyone who came along to support Elliot. The local community were incredibly generous, donating all sorts of amazing prizes for the raffle.
“I would particularly like to thank The White Hart for their time and generosity, as well Simmons for providing the bread rolls for the burgers, and Tesco too for their vouchers which allowed us to buy the food.”
The barbeque and raffle was supported by:
The White Hart pub, Welwyn village
Tesco
Simmons bakery
Alexandra Burke, singer
Kim Wilde, singer
Nick Knowles, from TV’s DIY S.O.S
Rusty Firmin, former SAS soldier who stormed the Iranian embassy
John Lewis
Arla
The Hollybush pub, Welwyn Garden City
The Chieftain Pub, Welwyn Garden City
Ian Stephenson Ltd, jewellers
Box of Delights, Welwyn Village
Big Green Egg
Luton and Herts Insurance Institute
Colourwheel Art Classes
Vita, Welwyn Village
XO village wines
Taj Mahal, Welwyn Village
Roche
Watford Football Club
The Town Inn, Hatfield
The Two Willows pub, Welwyn Garden City
Mardleybury Farm
The Wellington pub, Welwyn
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