Royal emblem for hero PCs

The father of a police officer murdered on duty has achieved his campaign to have her sacrifice officially recognised with a prestigious royal medal.

Greater Manchester Police constables Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, were caught in an ambush by a hit-and-run gunman in September, 2012.

Bryn Hughes, Nicola's father, launched a campaign in a bid that will see the Elizabeth Emblem be awarded posthumously to emergency service workers killed in the line of duty.

It will be inscribed with the words "For A Life Given In Service" and will have the name of the person it commemorates on the reverse.

The next of kin of over 30 former firefighters, police officers and other public servants who have died in public service will receive the award in recognition of their deceased loved ones.

The Emblem was announced earlier this year to commemorate public servants who died in the line of duty.

The Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

Among the first recipients are Bryn and Paul Bone, whose daughters PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes died in 2012 after attending a routine 999 call together following a report of criminal damage at a house in Greater Manchester.

Upon arrival at the address PC Bone and PC Hughes were killed at the scene by an offender wanted for murder.

On Saturday when the government announced the first 30 recipients of the distinguished medal, Mr Hughes, whose family are from Diggle, told Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm: “My campaign's been going on for over five years for recognition for emergency service workers who were killed in the line of duty.

“Now the award will be presented by His Majesty The King at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

“It all came to fruition in March this year.

"It would be extended to all emergency service workers, all public sector workers.

"I understand as well it also includes blue light volunteer services such as mountain rescue, which is a good thing as well.

“And it I means from a personal point of view that was my reasoning behind campaigning because there was no formal state recognition so then it expanded and expanded.

"Its good to see other people will be eligible as well.

“It's a bit of a double-edged sword: you're relieved that it's finally happening but you've just got to embrace it and accept the award for what it is.

“There are two emblems, a larger one with the name of the person who has lost a life inscribed on the back and a smaller one which were in memory.

“His Majesty the King intends to present the first ones next month and that will be a physical award. 

"What I've been told from the Cabinet Office, I'll be getting an invite within the next few days from the Royal Household.”

And Bryn revealed he met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with Fiona Bone's father when they were invited to Downing Street last week.

“It was a pretty personal meeting in Downing Street,” he said.

“The Prime Minister spoke about being a parent himself and how to imagine what we've been through.

"It was nice in that respect because it gave you that personal insight, that personal touch.

"He came over as a very warm-hearted person in that interview.

“When you're in Downing Street with the Prime Minister, it's very formal, but you're sat on the sofa talking about your own personal experiences, so in that respect, it's warm-hearted, personal and relaxed.”

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