Officers Win Inspiration Awards for Mental Health Fundraising Efforts

Two officers who raised thousands of pounds to support men’s mental health have won Inspiration Awards at Cheshire Police Federation’s first ever Bravery Awards.

PC Viki Evans and PC Kate Sheehan have worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Cheshire Police Men’s Talk Group – in memory of their much missed colleague PC Steve Powell.

In September 2023, Cheshire dog handler PC Powell, known as Powelly, sadly took his own life. All his colleagues were devastated, especially those on the dog handling team who worked so closely with him.

His fellow dog handlers PC Evans and PC Sheehan knew Powelly as a bubbly, vibrant officer whose three main passions in life were football, dogs and policing. They had no inkling that he was thinking of suicide.

Deeply affected by their colleague’s death, PC Evans and PC Sheehan came to the Federation and said they wanted to do something in memory of Powelly, and help other men who were struggling with their mental health.

Cheshire Police Federation was in the process of setting up the 4092 Men’s Talk Group, named after PC Powell’s collar number. It is a peer support group, where men can gather in a safe environment and chat about how they’re feeling, all facilitated by an expert in mental health.

 The group needed funding so, even though they were still grieving, PC Evans and PC Sheehan threw themselves into raising money.

 PC Sheehan ran the Manchester Marathon in April 2024, and was cheered on by her mum and PC Evans. She recalled: “It was really nice to see them at mile 19, because about three weeks before the race I tore the tendon in my knee, so I was in agony! Seeing them really got me through.”

Then PC Evans, who is a spin instructor in her spare time, organised a gruelling 24-hour ‘Spinathon’ to take place on the first anniversary of PC Powell’s death. PC Evans cycled for the full 24 hours in the headquarters canteen, with PC Sheehan joining her for the last 12 hours.

 PC Evans said:

“It was really hard and very emotional, but it needed to be hard, to open people’s eyes. I had loads of support from everyone there, even the cleaners, maintenance staff and garage staff who knew Powelly.

“Some people joined in and others texted me throughout the 24 hours, sending encouragement. That’s what got me through, as well as the fact that I didn’t want to let Powelly down.

“The canteen was packed at the finish time – there was the Chief Constable, other senior leaders and most of the dog unit. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when I gave a little speech at the end.

“We raised a good amount of money, but mainly we wanted to highlight that people are struggling. I don’t want people to forget Powelly, although I’m sure they won’t – he was an unforgettable character.”

The pair have raised over £5,000, half of which helps fund the 4092 Men’s Talk Group and future men’s mental health campaigns. In honour of Powelly’s great love of dogs, the other half of the money has gone to the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home, a rescue centre that cares for stray and abandoned dogs and where PC Powell once got one of his own dogs.

When PC Sheehan heard that they were receiving a Federation award, she said: “I was really shocked and overwhelmed, to be honest, because we didn’t expect this. We just wanted to raise some money and awareness and get people talking about their mental health.”

PC Evans said:

“I was really humbled when I heard we’d won this award, but I was glad too, because it’s an opportunity to speak about Powelly and about men’s mental health – I don’t want anyone else to be in the position he was in. I’ll put my award in a cabinet at the kennels, as it’s really for Powelly.”

Cheshire Police Federation Chair Jamie Thompson said:

“Viki and Kate have achieved a phenomenal amount in the past year to honour Powelly and support men’s mental health, and  they've done all it off their own back, while still carrying the grief of losing their friend and colleague.

“Everyone is very grateful for their commitment, and their empathy for those who are suffering with poor mental health. They are worthy winners of an Inspiration Award.”

PC Evans and PC Sheehan attended the 2025 Cheshire Police Federation Awards on 20th March.

The Awards were in association with Axon.

Also sponsoring the awards were Slater Gordon, Police Mortgages, The National Police Healthcare Scheme, No 1 Copperpot Credit Union, Phillip Williams Insurance, Uniform Mortgages, Accord, Ralli Injury Lawyers and The Cheshire Police Group Insurance Scheme.

Pictured - (L-R) PC Viki Evans and PC Kate Sheehan.