Just putting it briefly, over a period of time I hurt my back during a PSU exercise and right knee following a fall whilst in the act of detaining a suspect.
As cops we think we are invincible, carry on regardless of injury and accept the knocks as run of the mill so to speak. It’s only recently that I have started to notice an increase in pain and difficulty in performing my usual routines. Over the last couple of years, I have noticed a deterioration in my mobility. I have not been able to run through pain and my everyday walking is being adversely affected. It then reached a tipping point when I was unable to walk my two Frenchie’s, Pebbles and Bomber as often or as long as I once did. It affected me to such a degree that I decided to submit my paperwork for retirement, I simply did not want to become confined to the station.
To add to this physical pain, I lost my mum last year after moving her into supported living months earlier and I can honestly say I felt a broken man both physically and mentally. With retirement in sight, I needed help to firstly get me to retirement but also beyond.
As a result, I took steps to visit the PTC in Harrogate. I received fantastic support in getting me standing up straight again and walking better. Not only that but the support of every member of staff lifted me to a more positive place. It was so great meeting some serving and retired officers who were in a similar position, going through similar struggles.
I cannot praise the PTC and all its staff enough, I tell everyone to get signed up as you will never know when you will need that specialist professional support. Go once in your career and it’s worth every penny that you have contributed throughout your career.
The PTC is like a hidden gem. You will only begin to realise how fantastic and unique a resource it is having experienced the tremendous variety of support and services it has to offer.
My retirement is only a matter of sixteen working days away now (not that I am counting). I can honestly say that life after the Force seems a lot brighter following my visit.
Thank you for all that you do and the extra effort you all put in to keep the PTC going and constantly improving. A special mention must go to Alison and Bonita, thank you so much.
To those that have never given the PTC a thought, try to imagine a place where everyone is kind, you are met with constant smiles and nothing is too much to trouble.
