DR. GARY CRAIG MBE

Man with gray hair and beard, wearing a tuxedo, smiling broadly.

I have been a serving police officer since 2004 and absolutely love my job. I started the Thin Blue Line UK in 2012 after the horrific murders of Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone. It was initially started as a page where I could highlight the dangers that police face every time, they put a uniform on, and to give the public some understanding of our role. As the page developed, I started to sell a few tie pin badges and raised money for Care of Police Survivors www.ukcops.org, and Police Dependents Trust, now Police Care www.policecare.org.uk. The page started to grow, and we were reaching more people. It was a page for police officers, and there was a lot of support out there. The public also started to respond, it was wonderful to know we were being supported by the community.


Over the years we felt that we could do more, so we organised our first Fundraising Ball in Edinburgh. This raised approximately £9000 for the above charities, and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and thank everyone who had helped the

Thin Blue Line UK develop. This event is now an annual one which we take around the United Kingdom to show that we are all part of one large family. These events have helped the Thin Blue Line UK thousands of pounds. We are now a recognised charity and still going strong, which is a testament to every single person who has helped us. We believe passionately in mental health and well-being and that we need to look out for ourselves and our colleagues. We see an awful lot of stuff that is a far from normal as you can get and this takes its toll. We have a great team, and we want to take the Thin Blue Line UK from strength to strength. Policing is hugely important to me; I love what I do, and the opportunities afforded to me through work have been immense. I value the friendships I have made over the years. 

 

The Thin Blue Line UK is a major part of my life now, and that it has become what it is simply wonderful. Looking out for my colleagues and being able to support them through the charity is so important. It was an immense privilege to be awarded an MBE this year for public and charitable service. As a police officer I know only too well how the job can negatively impact a person. I understand the trauma we face and that some jobs we attend will never be forgotten. That is why I will continue to devote time to the charity, the Thin Blue Line UK team and to the officers out there who come to us for support.

 

If you are ready this and are struggling, know this – we care, we understand and we want to help.

 

Thank you to each and every one of you who has supported us from day one and who continue to support us to this day.