As a child, I was always drawn to heroic figures, inspiring public speakers, humanitarians, conservationists and philanthropists. There was nothing more motivating to me than imagining the possibilities of what we as humans could achieve, especially if it was to help others.
I also know that another reason I was so enchanted by the super hero ideal is that there was a deep need for me to be rescued as a child – many sessions of therapy which was required during my training to be a counsellor have uncovered this emotionally painful connection. However, as a teenager and adult, I became my own saviour. A trait that annoys the hell out of a lot of people as I can be guarded and irrevocably independent. In spite of that, I’m pleased to be left with absolute wonder and feelings of admiration on a regular basis from everyday ‘superheroes.’
Superheroes to me are compassionate, inspiring, calm, grounded individuals with special powers to overcome adversity to create something good and positive, either for themselves or others.
Terry Waite CBE is one of those characters. Not just because of his experience with hostage negotiation, but his story of isolation and disconnection from all that he loved fuelled a desire to stay alive and to strive to remain as physically and mentally healthy as possible over his nearly five years in captivity.
I remember being a 9 year old sitting in my bedroom with my knees tucked under my chin, watching the news of his kidnap with avid interest and horror, wondering what on earth was going to happen to him. This intrigue never left me and at the age of 14, when Terry Waite was finally released, I remember feeling a great sense of relief and celebration. But there was also a deepening concern for how he was going to cope in the outside world and what is it going to be like seeing his children after all this time – all grown up. The impact of his release obviously readied the emerging therapist. A deep sense of empathy, imagining what it must be like to have one foot in his world.
In 2015, through my work in policing, I led arrangements for a national Conference based around trauma risk management and tried my luck at securing Terry Waite as a key note speaker. I’m so fortunate to say I finally got to meet this incredible man, one of my childhood heroes. Hero – a word I know Terry would brush off gently so as not to offend, so I never embarrassed myself or him by articulating that word! He was in fact someone who totally surpassed my expectations. In spite of such a tall stature, he is grounded, humble and gentle in his communication style. Terry seemed intuitive and genuinely interested in others and I saw him throughout the time he was at the Conference, listening to others. People couldn’t stop themselves telling him their story. I glimpsed whatever it was that made him an effective negotiator all those years ago. Perhaps this was one of the things that kept him alive during his time in captivity.
I met Terry Waite again a number of weeks later. He remembered key detail about me and a presentation I gave during the Conference and enquired about my loved ones by name. My husband got to meet him also and I saw an awe struck demeanour that I’ve never seen in him before! The power of Terry!
In preparation for another Conference for Police Wellbeing in 2017, I was searching for another key note speaker. A colleague mentioned Dr Michael Paterson OBE may be interesting and as soon as I watched a clip of him on his own website, I knew he would be perfect.
Dr Paterson is an inspirational speaker and Chartered Clinical Psychologist. In 1981 he had both arms amputated following a rocket attack on his police vehicle. Dr Paterson now has two artificial hands, one of which was a hook when I met him.
His talk was phenomenal and you could have heard a pin drop. As well as talking about trauma exposure and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) Dr Paterson took us on a journey of his amazing story of physical and mental health recovery following his severe injuries. A remarkable story of someone who rebuilt his life, embarked on a new career – one of which has helped countless hundreds through his work as a clinical psychologist. Another man who knows the value of family, love and enjoying the small things in life which swamps the trauma and bad times like a tsunami.
A very humble man who was so touched by the standing ovation he received. Over a year later, I still bump into people who were at that conference and they tell me how much they enjoyed hearing Dr Paterson. I for one, am indelibly marked.
I can’t write about some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met without mentioning my police officer and staff colleagues…
To Family Liaison Officers, Disaster Victim Identification Officers (DVI’s), Negotiators, TRiM Practitioners and peer support Champions, your discretionary effort is to be applauded for how you go about your voluntary roles…all on top of your ‘day jobs’. Unassuming yet critical for your colleagues and the public your serve.
To firearms officers with your extraordinary professionalism. You place yourselves in harms way to keep us safe and for that, I cannot even begin to express my gratitude.
To the many response officers who epitomise courageous restraint, keep the faith as we have faith in you.
To Force Control Room staff – I couldn’t do what you do. Thank goodness you are there to do it.
To our wonderful volunteers including the Special Constabulary – you do this for FREE! That commitment is to be commended. A BIG thank you for supporting the service and your part in keeping the public safe.
To all officers who deal with adult protection, domestic abuse and child protection day in and day out. I know your job is not an easy one – take care of you and each other and focus on the small wins when they come around.
To the PCSO’s – you are so important to our communities which are all the safer when you are around.
To the Senior Leads and Chief Officers, keep leading from the front the way it should be done, with compassion and consistent presence.
To lone workers such as CSI’s and dog handlers, you’re tenacity and passion for what you do does not go unnoticed. Stay connected.
To those in Roads Policing and Serious Collision teams, I’m always in awe at your professionalism when carrying out your roles and the focus you have for keeping our roads safe, completing complex investigations and providing an amazing service to your respective county.
To all investigative teams including major crime – not an easy job by any stretch of the imagination. Your persistent determination and meticulous approach to your investigations is second to none.
To all other police officer and staff roles I have not directly mentioned (otherwise you and I will be here for hours as there are so many!) you are part of an amazing painting which would be missing its frame without you. Thank you for inspiring me every day.
To all the partners, families and children – yes I know you probably feel like you need a medal at times! Please know that you bring a much needed balance to the lives of our serving officers and staff.
Last but most certainly not least. To all of the amazing team in Health Services who focus on the health, safety, and protection of the protectors. A lot of what we do goes unseen due to reasons such as confidentiality, however I am in awe each day of how this team embodies client/patient advocacy. Humble heroes the lot of them.