Sgt Matt Ratana has been awarded the BBC’s South East Unsung Hero Award.
Sgt Ratana was shot and killed on 25th September 2020 as he went to check on the welfare of a prisoner.
Matt was a hugely popular officer who had served his community for almost 30 years before he was killed.
He was due to retire towards the end of 2020 and had been working in the Croydon Custody Suite when he was shot.
A 23-year-old man has been charged with his murder and is currently awaiting trial.
Matt was a huge rugby fan and dedicated much of his spare time to helping up-and-coming rugby players excel themselves in the sport.
Since his tragic death, sports personalities from around the world have voiced their support of the fallen officer and the high morals which he dedicated his life to protect.
Sgt Ratana received thousands of nominations for this years BBC ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ award.
A post shared on the ‘Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation’ Facebook page on 23rd November has confirmed that Matt has won the prestigious BBC South East Unsung Hero Award.
The post said:
“it has been announced that Matt Ratana has been given the BBC SOUTH EAST UNSUNG HERO’ Award!
“Now it’s onto the finals aired live on 13 December”.
To learn more about the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation, click here.
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