A Southport PCSO has trekked through the heatwave to complete the equivalent of five marathons in just five days, visiting every operational Merseyside Police station.
Barry Calder, who was one of the first responders on the scene saving lives at the Southport tragedy two years ago, completed his fundraiser at Rose Hill Headquarters in Liverpool on today Friday(10th July 2026).
He began his ‘Walking for Hope and for those that Serve’ mission on Monday (6th July 2026) determined to raise as much as he can for Hope’s Help and Police Care UK.
People are able to make a donation here.
He said: “ Charity Walk completed!
“To every person across Merseyside who waved, cheered, sounded their horn, stopped for a chat, offered encouragement or made a donation as l walked—you made every mile worthwhile. Your kindness reminded me why I genuinely believe I live and work in the greatest place there is.
“Thank you to the many people who have supported the fundraiser online. Donating, sharing and messages. It means more than I can put into words
“My sincere thanks also go to Andrew Brown of Stand Up For Southport, Amy Welch of ITV News and the team at the Liverpool Echo for covering the walk with such care, sensitivity and compassion.
“My colleagues across Merseyside Police , every station that welcomed me, every Boss, every Officer and member of staff who encouraged me and especially all my Sefton Colleagues —thank you. I am incredibly proud to work alongside you all.
“Rick, Brandon, Ben, Mark and Arron… Thank you for sharing so many miles with me. Your company kept me going when I needed it most.
“To Hope’s Help and Police Care UK , thank you for all you do for others. It’s been an honour to raise funds in support of your incredible work.
“Finally, I want to say something from the heart.
“I’ve been humbled, and if I’m honest, a little embarrassed by some of the coverage this walk has received. The word “hero” has been used to describe me.
“I’m not.
“The heroes are –
The children who protected one another.
The parents and families whose strength continues to inspire me every single day.
The teachers, Leanne and Heidi, who put themselves between danger and children.
John Hayes.
Martin and Julie.
The off-duty police officer.
The off-duty nurses.
The residents of Hart Street and passersby who ran towards danger to help strangers.
Greg, Luke and Tim, whose courage stopped the attacker.
Every police officer, firefighter, paramedic, call handler, clinician and hospital team whose actions saved lives.
“I know there are many others I’ve not named, and apologies if I have. Your efforts aren’t forgotten.
“That day, Merseyside witnessed unimaginable evil.
“But it also witnessed extraordinary courage, compassion and humanity.
“I completed these marathons not to celebrate anything I did, but to honour those affected, to remember Alice, Bebe and Elsie, and to support some of those whose lives were changed that day forever.
“To the families, survivors and everyone still carrying the weight of that day: you remain in my thoughts every single day.
“Thank you, Merseyside, for reminding me what community really means.
“I’m not a hero, but that day I was surrounded by them.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without the support of my amazing Wife Elizabeth Calder.
“She’s done all the hard work this week along with my amazing family helping look after my children.
“I couldn’t love you more.
“The walk is over, the fundraising continues. If you can donate or simply share the fundraiser, it would mean the world.”
Many people in Southport know Barry Calder 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 first 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 first aid helped save the life of an injured child.
Now, two years on, Barry walked 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.
People are able to donate via Barry’s GoFundMe page here: Fundraiser by Barry Calder : Walking for Hope and for those that Serve
Supporting Hope’s Help
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.
Supporting Police Care UK
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 first-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 first-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: Fundraiser by Barry Calder : Walking for Hope and for those that Serve
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 one member of our community trying to make a difference, please consider helping.
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