A Greater Manchester Police officer is raising money for charity after an on duty stabbing left him suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Police constable Adnan Ali is currently locked up after pledging to spend 24 hours behind bars to gather funds for the mental health charity Moodswings.
The organisation is one that’s close to his heart following a brutal attack which took place in August 2013.
At the time, PC Ali – along with fellow officer Peter Goulding – was attending a dispute over a noise complaint between neighbours when a male offender produced a knife.
Officer Ali was stabbed three times in the head and slashed across his face and neck.
Meanwhile, his colleague PC Goulding was wounded on his shoulders during the bloody incident which left PC Ali suffering from PTSD.
Speaking about his charity endeavour at Pendleton Police Station, PC Ali explained just why he chose the organisation.
He said: “The occupational health and welfare unit at GMP were a great support, especially in providing access to a psychologist.
“After my treatment finished I knew that I needed extra help, so I started looking at what local services were available.
“It was then that a friend recommended Moodswings and I already knew the charity’s chairman and founder, Tom McAlpine OBE.
“I can’t praise the charity, staff and Tom for all the support they provided. If it wasn’t for them I don’t think I would have had the strength to return back to work, to a job I love doing.
“Sadly, Tom died earlier this year, I’m so thankful for the help that he and Moodswings provided. This seemed like the right time to give something back.
“Rather than do the usual charity fundraiser of a sponsored walk, I wanted to do something different. Being a police officer I thought it would be quite ironic to be the one in the cell.”
PC Ali has already smashed his target of £500 on fundraising website JustGiving.
In fact, the current amount stands at £622 after 38 donations – and that figure could very well rise before he’s ‘released’ from his cell.
Speaking about his achievement, PC Ali said: “Thankfully mental health is being talked about a lot more these days, especially among men.
“Hopefully this small gesture, along with people’s goodwill, will help the Moodswings charity continue with its great work.”
Moodswings CEO Linda Wilson has also praised PC Ali for giving up his freedom for an entire day for this cause.
She gushed: “Moodswings is very grateful to PC Adnan Ali for his ongoing support. He is not only raising money, but also awareness of the charity and the issue of mental health.
“We would also like to thank the Police Cadets for being involved in the challenge, as well as those who have already donated to PC Ali’s fundraising target.
“We’re all looking forward to seeing PC Ali on his release!”
You can sponsor police constable Adnan Ali HERE.
