2 confirmed VIP's to attend the 104th Ainsdale Show in July

PCSO who helped saved lives at Southport attack to walk between every Merseyside Police Station for charity

SOUTHPORT PCSO Barry Calder will take on an extraordinary challenge this summer, walking the equivalent of:- 5 marathons in 5 days, visiting every operational Merseyside Police Station before finishing at:- Rose Hill Headquarters.

He will take on this:- 'Walking for Hope and for those that Serve' fundraising mission between:- 6 July and 10 July 2026.   

This isn't just a physical challenge. It's a deeply personal mission to support two incredible charities, raise awareness of trauma recovery, and honour those affected by tragedy and those who serve our communities every day.

Many people in Southport know Barry as a local PCSO, but before joining Merseyside Police he served for more than 30 years with the Metropolitan Police, including as an:- Armed Response Officer, Operational Firearms Commander, Police Medic and Royal Protection Officer.

During his career, Barry responded to some of the most challenging incidents in modern policing, including:- IRA bombings, the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack and numerous firearms operations involving severe injury and trauma.

Following his retirement from the Metropolitan Police in 2022, Barry chose to continue serving the public by joining Merseyside Police as a PCSO.

In July 2024, while still undergoing his initial training, Barry was among the 1st responders to the Southport attack. 

Entering Hart Street as colleagues detained the offender, he immediately began triaging victims. Drawing on his experience as a trained police medic, his decisive actions and emergency 1st aid helped save the life of an injured child.

Now, 2 years on, Barry is walking to honour those affected, support those still recovering, thank the emergency service workers who responded that day, and raise awareness of the lasting impact trauma can have on individuals, families and communities.

Barry said:- "Policing never really leaves you. Whether as a Firearms Officer or a PCSO, it's about protecting people, making our communities safer, and being there when it matters most. Many of us carry trauma from what we've witnessed and endured. It used to be taboo to talk about mental health struggles, but that has to change. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. It's an act of strength."

At the heart of this campaign is Hope's Help, a charity founded in 2020 by a remarkable young girl and her family.

Despite being deeply affected by the tragic events of 2024, they have continued to help others with extraordinary kindness and compassion. The charity supports families in need, helps Alder Hey Children's Hospital, and has played a vital role in bringing together the surviving Southport girls and their families in safe and supportive environments.

Their work has helped build friendships, provide peer support and create a sense of community for those navigating unimaginable circumstances.

Barry said:- "This walk is about supporting them and the countless others they have inspired through their resilience, courage and compassion. The ongoing needs of those directly affected by tragedy are often overlooked once the headlines fade. The support, understanding and sense of community that Hope's Help continues to provide is invaluable in helping these young people and their families on their journey towards recovery."

75% of all funds raised will go directly to Hope's Help.  The remaining 25% of funds raised will go to Police Care UK, the national charity dedicated to supporting police officers, staff, volunteers and their families affected by trauma, injury and wellbeing challenges as a result of policing.

The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support, helping people recover, rebuild their lives and access specialist services when they need them most.

Barry knows 1st-hand how important that support can be. He said:- "Like many officers, I have been affected by traumatic incidents throughout my career, including the Southport attack. There were times when the symptoms of PTSD had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. The support I received from Police Care UK made a real difference. It helped me access the assistance I needed, continue my recovery and remain in a role serving the public. I know 1st-hand how important that support can be, and I know I am far from alone. This walk is partly about giving something back to an organisation that continues to help police officers across the UK recover from trauma and move forward with their lives."

How You Can Help

Every donation will help support trauma recovery.

Every share will help spread awareness.

Every message of support will help keep Barry going across more than:- 130 miles of walking.

Whether you're supporting the:- survivors, supporting emergency service workers, supporting mental health awareness, or simply supporting 1 member of our community trying to make a difference, please consider helping.

A Walk of Hope – And For Those Who Serve

6 July to 10 July 2026
Every operational Merseyside Police station, finishing at Rose Hill HQ
Supporting Hope's Help and Police Care UK

Please donate if you can:-

People are able to donate via Barry's GoFundMe page here.

Please share this post with local groups, friends and family.

Together we can honour those affected, support those who serve, and help ensure nobody faces trauma alone.

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