Latest news with #WrexhamPoliceFC
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham Police FC to raise money for Wrexham Foodbank
The team, made up of off-duty officers, has often raised money for good causes in the local community. Since forming three years ago, the club has raised over £60,000. Last week, they announced that they would be raising money for those affected by the incident at Liverpool FC's Premier League title parade. Now, they have decided to raise further funds for a cause closer to home after Wrexham Foodbank issued an appeal for help. Wrexham Police FC have set up a fundraiser - which can be donated to here - in aid of the foodbank team ahead of their match v North Wales Dragons this Sunday (June 8). That match was initially scheduled to help out the Clwyd Special Riding Centre - which had faced an uncertain future, but has now secured vital funding. So now, the match will turn its attentions to supporting Wrexham Foodbank instead. Wrexham Police FC said: "We're taking to the pitch for a charity football match against North Wales Dragons. This match was originally in aid of Clwyd Special Riding School – who have now successfully reached their fundraising target." They added: "So now, we're turning our attention to another incredible cause; Wrexham Foodbank – who are in desperate need of support to continue their vital work in our community. "Every pound raised will go directly to help provide food and essentials to those who need it most. No one in our community should face hunger – together, we can make a difference." The statement from Wrexham Foodbank which sparked the support from Wrexham Police FC read: "Our food supply is running critically low — the empty crates in our warehouse show just how stretched we are right now. TOP STORIES "We're currently supporting over 200 people every week who are experiencing hardship. Demand is growing, and we're finding it increasingly difficult to keep up on our own. "We're reaching out to our community for support. If you're able to donate, we would be so grateful. Every single item helps us continue to provide for those who need it most. "Donations can be dropped off at Unit 3, Edwards Enterprise Park, Rhosddu Industrial Estate, Wrexham, LL11 4ZA. We are open Tuesday & Fridays until 3pm as well as Thursdays until 1pm. "Thank you for standing with us — together, we can continue to make a difference."
Leader Live
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
North Wales Police officer attends Buckingham Palace garden party
Sergeant Dave Smith was invited to the royal event on Wednesday (May 7), which was hosted by the King and Queen to mark VE Day commemorations, and to recognise and reward public service. The Flintshire North local policing officer received an invitation having been recognised in the King's New Year Honours List earlier this year. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in north Wales, and to charity. Sgt Smith, 38, from Broughton, met Queen Camilla at the event, where he discussed Wrexham Police FC – the charity football team he founded in early 2022 – and his fundraising endeavours. The intention was for officers to play matches against a variety of opponents while off duty to build cohesion between the police and the communities they serve, whilst raising money for local charities. He said: 'It was an incredible honour to have been invited and to meet lots of inspiring people from across the UK that do a great deal of good in their communities. 'We were selected from the crowd to meet the Queen on the day, where I had the opportunity to discuss Wrexham Police FC and our fundraising endeavours. 'She was a really nice lady and showed a real interest in who I was and where I was from, which force I was representing and the reason I was there. 'The day was even more special that I had the opportunity to share the experience with my wife, who is pregnant. The Queen asked about our family, and we discussed potential names for the baby too. 'To have that personal one-to-one time with the Queen was a special moment really. 'It was a privilege to be there, and I was honoured to be representing North Wales Police at the event.' TOP STORIES Since forming Wrexham Police FC, Sgt Smith and the team have raised nearly £60,000 for good causes and charities and have been the recipients of several donations from Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Michael Sheen, as well as the public of North Wales and beyond. Sgt. Smith added: 'I never set out to get any recognition, and certainly not any awards or recognition from the Palace – it was generally just to try and make a difference. 'I don't often get moments where I feel proud, but I remember being stood looking at the palace and all the people there and taking it all in that I was in the back garden of the Royal family. It was surreal, and I was thankful to be there. 'I'm just a lad from Deeside who wanted to join the police and help others, I never thought I'd ever get this sort of opportunity. For others to notice what you're doing – and to be acknowledged by the King - is a real honour." The King and Queen were joined at the event by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the soiree. Sergeant Smith said upon arrival, the royals stood at the top of the garden steps to observe the national anthem, before dispersing into the crowd. He added: 'My children were telling their friends in school that their dad had gone to the King's house. I hope in the future they'll be proud of what I've achieved.' Following some careful consideration, Sergeant Smith told how he has decided to put a halt on any further charity football matches after this year. He said: 'It's not been an easy decision. But it does take a lot of my personal time, and with a new baby on the way, I've decided to take a step back and prioritise my family for now. 'Although, that's not to say there won't be any plans for the future.'
