Hartlepool family's charity appeal in memory of much-loved former policewoman

A family are pushing the boat out to raise money in memory of a much-loved former policewoman.
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Relatives of Pamela Henderson, nee Williams, have already donated more than £7,000 towards Brain Tumour Research following her death last year from a brain tumour at the age of 69.

Now one of her four brothers, Hartlepool businessman Cedric Williams, is offering a replica model of Hartlepool’s own HMS Trincomalee – the Europe’s oldest floating warship – as a prize to raise more money towards finding a cure for the illness.

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Cedric, who owns Hartlepool Marine Supplies, in Brenda Road, said: “We all said that we wanted to do something in Pamela’s memory and have so far raised more than £7,000.

Cedric Williams with the model of HMS Trincomalee, the world's oldest floating warship, which he is offering as a charity prize in memory of his late sister.Cedric Williams with the model of HMS Trincomalee, the world's oldest floating warship, which he is offering as a charity prize in memory of his late sister.
Cedric Williams with the model of HMS Trincomalee, the world's oldest floating warship, which he is offering as a charity prize in memory of his late sister.

"We thought offering a model of the Trincomalee was appropriate because we are a very proud Hartlepool family and a very close one.

"Pamela was a lovely person and it was such a shock to see her deteriorate so quickly that we want to try to make sure others do not have to go through what she did.”

Pamela, of Wolviston, who was a sergeant in Cleveland Police and as a child danced with future ballet star Wayne Sleep at Muriel Carr’s acclaimed Hartlepool dance school, died after battling the cancerous tumour for around six months.

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She was survived by husband Ralph and brothers Ian, 76, Cedric, 75, Keith, 72, Mark, 55, and their families.

The late Pamela Henderson in her police uniform.The late Pamela Henderson in her police uniform.
The late Pamela Henderson in her police uniform.

Cedric, from a family of proud Headlanders, fought his own battle with oesophagus and stomach cancer and was told in 2009 he may only have six months to live before finally getting the all clear around five years ago.

He said: “We want to give hope and encouragement to anyone suffering and worrying about cancer that people can and do recover.”

Hartlepool Marine Supplies has had a number of the 3ft-long models made since the 203-year-old vessel was lovingly restored in town more than 20 years ago.

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A similar Trincomalee draw previously raised money for Hartlepool and District Hospice.

Pamela, right, as a child with future ballet star Wayne Sleep.Pamela, right, as a child with future ballet star Wayne Sleep.
Pamela, right, as a child with future ballet star Wayne Sleep.

Anyone just wanting to donate should go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/forPamela.

Those wanting to donate and take part in the draw, due to be made by Hartlepool Mayor Brenda Loynes, should email [email protected]

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