Constable loses battle

02 September 2008

A LONG-serving Norfolk police officer has lost his battle with motor neurone disease.

Detective constable George Campbell died on Sunday, August 24, in the presence of his family.

Mr Campbell had been a police officer in Norfolk since 1990 after originally joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 1979.

The father of three spent most of his Norfolk career in the North Walsham area but in recent years had been based at the force's Wymondham headquarters.

Late last year he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of muscular atrophy motor neurone disease, which in less than six months rendered him immobile.

Since then, and with his support, his colleges have worked to raise funds and awareness of the disorder through various events.

These have included a 22 mile race over Mount Snowdon and a charity rugby match at North Walsham, which saw chief constable Ian McPherson line up as part of the police XV which took on a side of veteran players.

Mr Campbell leaves behind his wife Jane and children Mathew, Harriet and Kate.

Deputy chief constable Ian Learmonth said: “The news of George's death has been deeply upsetting and the officers and staff of Norfolk Constabulary send our sincere condolences to his family. We will continue to offer them our support during this difficult time.”