A THAMES Valley Police officer who has 'tirelessly' worked to help colleagues back on their feet after they have suffered physical injury or mental health illness has won an award.

Inspector Damien Isherwood is a Trustee of the charity Pilgrim Bandits which helps to rebuild the lives and careers of police officers and army servicemen by taking them on confidence boosting events and challenges.

The charity was exclusively set up for army personnel but Inspector Isherwood reached out to the CEO after he noticed the similarities between the army and police and saw the benefits the charity would have for officers.

It then started the Curtis Palmer Programme, named after a police officer who had a brain tumour and a dying wish was to do a parachute jump.

Some of the other confidence-boosting adventures on offer include once in a lifetime trips kayaking down the Yukon River and taking on marathon bike rides in New Zealand.

Insp Isherwood, who was given the Thames Valley Police Federation Inspiration Award for his work said: “It’s about supporting officers in any way we can to get them on the road to recovery and allowing them to feel invigorated.

“I noticed that police officers and army personnel have so much in common and so much to learn from each other, so I spoke to the charity’s CEO and we are now helping police officers.”

The charity states: “We understand that PTSD, stress and mental health related issues have increased within the Police and Emergency services. Officers nationwide are also daily suffering injuries, some life changing.

“Having worked for many years helping our Armed Forces servicemen and women suffering similar issues we have decided to extend our remit of help to the Policing family.

“The Charity is developing short- and-long-term help/training via its expeditions and training programmes which will support the Policing Family.

“Our Mantra for the Armed Forces personnel we help is “Always a little further” and we believe that now extends to the Policing family.”

The federation's chairman Criag O'Leary, who presented him with the award, said it was proud of his work with the charity and wanted to recognise that in an award.

He said: “Damien dedicates himself to the Pilgrim Bandits charity and works tirelessly to make sure that there are opportunities available for officers that have suffered physical and psychological injury and find a path back.

“What Damien and Pilgrim Bandits are doing for police officers via the Curtis Palmer Programme is so important and sadly ever more important these days.

“We’re delighted to be able to recognise them at our Annual Police Bravery Awards with the Inspiration Award because we can see the benefits and results these trips can have on officers who lives have been turned upside down by incidents and trauma at work.

“And Damien and the charity are well deserving of this award.”

Inspector Isherwood won the award at a ceremony on March 5.