Scottish Catholic Observer

Sgt Frank Hamill, PC Duncan Nicholson and PC Michelle Webster got their running shoes on for Glasgow’s Great Scottish Run on Sunday September 30 gaining the sponsorship from their colleagues, friends and families.

Having set an initial target of £500, the trio were overwhelmed to see that their appeal has brought in four times their goal.

Sgt Hamill, a parishioner of St Patrick’s Church in Coatbridge, has been in the Police force for almost 30 years, and is no stranger to taking part in charitable events.

He said: “I’m delighted that we’ve surpassed our original target by so much—we are speechless and humbled at the sheer generosity of everyone who donated.

“As we are still counting, we’re hopefully going to have a final sum of even more than that.

“Of course, you could say it makes us look good, but the truth is that we did the easy bit: it was through the donations of everyone who generously sponsored us that this was raked in.”

The team, who are based at Glasgow Sheriff Court, decided to donate to Mary’s Meals due to the fact that, for just £13.90, the charity is able to feed a child for an entire year.

“Sometimes you’ll speak to people who have heard of the charity, and others who haven’t, but after telling them [about the £13.90 target] they usually can’t speak for a few seconds,” Sgt Hamill said.

“It’s because they’re trying to understand the fact that there are so many children starving, and how little it actually costs to feed them for a year.

“You might see it on the TV: the starving kids with wee flies on their faces, and you can either switch over the channel or you can do something about it.

“I don’t know how many kids that money will feed exactly, but I am overwhelmed that we’ll be able to help some of them.”

Sgt Hamill is nearly at the end of his varied career, and credits his days as a negotiator for growing his desire to help others.

He has previously helped people on the brink of taking their own lives, and in hostage situations.

“Because of this, if something means something to someone and it’s close to their heart, I’d do anything I could for them,” he said.

“It costs you nothing—you maybe give up your Saturday morning to go out and train but it’s all about those you help at the end of the day.”

Sgt Hamill spoke highly of his colleagues with whom he ran side-by-side for the duration of the journey.

“I’m so grateful to Michelle and Duncan for running with me. After the race, I went to 6pm Mass, and the first thing I did when I got home was say the Rosary to Our Lady for their friendship.”