Sports Personality 1996

Mrs Madeline Buckley

 

Performance Review Department - Headquarters

Main Sporting Field - Running

Madeline, aged 53 is a civilian member of the Force working in the Performance Review Department at Police Headquarters, Hutton.

She joined the force in 1975. Her main sport is running which she took up some 16 years ago.

During the past 5 years she has played an active part in the activities of the Athletics and Cross Country Section.

She has competed for Headquarters in both Inter-Divisional 10k and Cross Country Championships for a number of years.

In September 1996 Lancashire hosted the PAA 10 mile Road Race at Morecambe. Madeline competed for the force and won the only prize for Lancashire. 1st Veteran over 50.

She has competed for Lancashire in the Northern Police Cross Country League. The League has been supported by Lancashire runners for many years but what made the difference this year was the support of female runners for the force. Madeline not only turned out herself but encouraged 4 to 5 other ladies to compete for each of the 7 League fixtures.

This was regarded as a first for the Force for many years as we have always had difficulty in finding women to compete. Madeline's team came 2nd out of 9 forces at the end of the season.

Other achievements include running the London Marathon 3 times and raising £800 for charity. She has also completed 4 half marathons.

'PAA 10'1996 - Madeline receives

her 1st Lady Vet 50 prize from

Ch.Insp David Thornton

Madeline's qualities do not just stop at running. She is always on hand to support and encourage other runners moreover assist with the preparation and organisation of events staged by the Athletics & Cross Country Section.

Her efforts to compete for the force have not been easy during the early part of 1997. Recent illnesses of both her mother and brother have given her many additional responsibilities. This caused her to cancel her place in the 1997 London Marathon. However, regardless of this she still managed to turn out for the force when possible.

Madeline was presented with the Athletics & Cross Country Section 'Runner of the Year' Trophy in March that sadly coincided with the bereavement of her mother and brother.

It is the above attributes and the active participation in running sports that make Madeline as an inspiration to other colleagues in the force both police and support staff.