I have just received word that a widow in Scotland has received the forms necessary for the reinstatement of her police widow’s pension. What a fantastic Christmas present for us all, to know that some members of our police family are about to have returned to them what is rightfully theirs - the pension that their loved one believed would be theirs for life. Supporters in Scotland have been working away patiently and with quiet determination and now their efforts are reaping tangible rewards. Can I ask those survivors in Scotland that will be benefitting from this round of changes to continue campaigning for parity with Northern Ireland - I started this campaign with the mantra, “No widow left behind” and I am as determined as ever that we will achieve that goal. I am so glad that we didn’t take the advice of a seasoned campaigner when she said, “Don’t bother, the government have made it clear that the 1987 rules will never change, you are on a hiding to nothing and you will only be disappointed.” Whether you feel guided by faith, spirituality or just plain dogged determination - our campaign is proof indeed of what you can achieve when you believe that you can succeed. Those of you that were campaigning this time last year will remember that I asked you to send a Christmas card to your local MP trying to persuade those that felt an appropriate response to our campaign was, “Bah humbug!” to have a change of heart and lend their support. Many of you got in touch to express your annoyance at my update (and quite rightly so) as your MPs were being very supportive and you intended to send a card and grateful thanks along with your best wishes. It would be great to do the same again this year as it is no easy task for MPs of whichever party to go against a policy so staunchly upheld by successive governments. Collectively our MPs have helped us to achieve great things and it is only right that we should thank them. Last year some of you kindly agreed to include the poem ‘From Those That Went Before’ with your cards – one reached Mr Penning and he is said to have found it “Poignant.” I know that my poem, ‘A Life's Worth of Policing' is not quite in the same league in its impact, but it was written to remind people that the survivors of officers that reached retirement are no less deserving of a lifelong pension. Their loved ones will have faced the same, “….high level of risk as an everyday part of their job…” as those tragically killed on duty; indeed they may have been assaulted many times over and witnessed unimaginable horrors that they felt unable to talk about. In this poem, as a small tribute to Col - 'Old Bill' is a retired dog handler, and I have tried to include references that will be recognised my many of you: A Life’s Worth of Policing Old Bill sits dozing, his chin upon his chest, he’s dreaming of ‘the good old days’ - policing at its best. He’s leaning over in his sleep a noble head to pat, that place beside the fire is empty now - where his faithful friend once sat. Bill’s wife looks upon him fondly, with memories of her own - of waiting for the dreaded knock which heralds life alone. She’d listen to his stories when he’d return late home from a shift, making light of things he’d seen - his return a precious gift. Bill’s no longer dozing, with chin upon his chest; he’s gone to find his faithful friend to share eternal rest. Amongst the thin blue line of angels he’s gone to take his place, he’s lined up next to Jim and Joe a smile upon his face. “Where have you been Bill old pal? You certainly took your time!” Bill looks up just grins and says, “I’ve been fighting crime.” He’d been standing next to best mate Jim on the day he fell, saw the fear in his eyes and swore he’d never tell. Joe lasted five more years before that fateful day, Bill standing in stunned silence - as they bore his friend away. So Bill has lasted longest of the class of 64, and now he’s taken his proud place - amongst those who went before. If you would like a copy of the poem to pop in your MP’s Christmas card my email address remains the same: CathrynHall@outlook.com I don’t think a day has passed without me sending or receiving something to do with our campaign and the hard work continues, and as always we have several ‘irons in the fire’ at the moment. If this should be my final update of the year I would like to wish you and yours a merry or restful Christmas depending upon your preference. Most of all I wish for a peaceful 2016 and hope with all my heart that this will be everyone’s preference the world over. Cathryn