A Southport PCSO battled soaring temperatures as he completed the final stage of an extraordinary five-day fundraising challenge.

Barry Calder walked the equivalent of five marathons in five days, visiting every operational Merseyside Police station before finishing at Rose Hill police headquarters in Liverpool today, Friday 10 July.

Barry began his Walking for Hope and for Those Who Serve challenge on Monday 6 July to raise money for Hope’s Help and Police Care UK.

The challenge is also intended to raise awareness of trauma recovery, honour those affected by tragedy and recognise the emergency service workers who serve communities across the country.

Barry appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain at 7.15am this morning and is also due to feature on ITV’s national news later today.

People are able to donate via Barry’s GoFundMe page here: Fundraiser by Barry Calder : Walking for Hope and for those that Serve 

He said:

“Today is the final day of my journey. Five days. One purpose.

“This walk has always been about far more than the miles. It’s been about remembering those whose lives changed forever, supporting survivors and families affected by trauma, and standing with the police officers and emergency workers who carry the impact of what they see long after the headlines have faded.

“As I take on these final miles, I’m asking for one last favour.

“If you’re able, please make a donation.

“If you can’t donate, please share any of my posts – one share could help it reach someone who can.

“You can find my page on Instagram here: Instagram this morning and will be speaking later on ITV National News this evening. If you see the interviews, please help spread the message and the fundraising appeal.

“To everyone who has donated, shared my posts, sent messages of encouragement or simply believed in what I’m trying to achieve — thank you. You’ve helped carry me every step of this journey.

“Let’s finish this together.

“And after five marathons in five days… I think I’ve earned that long-awaited chippy tea tonight! “

Many people in Southport know Barry through his work as a local PCSO. Before joining Merseyside Police, however, he served for more than 30 years with the Metropolitan Police.

His roles included 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 British policing, including IRA bombings, the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack and numerous firearms operations involving serious injury and trauma.

After retiring from the Metropolitan Police in 2022, Barry decided to continue serving the public and joined Merseyside Police as a PCSO.

In July 2024, while still completing his initial training, he was among the first emergency service workers to respond to the Southport attack.

Barry entered Hart Street as police officers detained the attacker and immediately began triaging those who had been injured.

Drawing on his experience as a trained police medic, he provided emergency first aid which helped save the life of an injured child.

Two years on, Barry is undertaking the challenge to honour everyone affected by the attack, support those who are still recovering and thank the emergency service workers who responded that day.

He also hopes the walk will increase awareness of the lasting effects trauma can have on individuals, families and entire communities.

People are able to donate via Barry’s GoFundMe page here: Fundraiser by Barry Calder : Walking for Hope and for those that Serve 

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.”

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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