A West Midlands police officer has come to the aid of a 92-year-old Greater Manchester war hero after his irreplaceable medal collection was stolen by callous thieves.
The medals were stolen while Syd Cooper of Poynton, Greater Manchester, attended a funeral at Stockport Cemetery.
They were taken from a box of irreplaceable war medals and sentimental items including a replica 1939-40 Star, an Air Crew Europe Star, The Defence Medal and World War 2 memorabilia.
PC Parker from West Midlands Police heard about the theft and arranged to replace the stolen medals through donations and PC Parker’s personal funds.
PC Parker said: “When I read the story about the missing gongs I knew it was something I wanted to act on. I was in the Royal Air Force for 24 years which included regular and deployed auxiliary service so I feel I have a connection to Mr Cooper.
“The medals are all originals except one and I have also sourced some artefacts from the RAF which I know he would have worn.”
PC Parker reached out to Mr Cooper through the Cheadle Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).
Sergeant Gareth Davis from Cheadle Heath NPT said: “When PC Parker got in touch we thought it was a really nice thing for someone to do especially as he doesn’t even have local links to the area.
“To have gone through so much effort to get the medals as close to the versions that were presented to Mr Cooper is very thoughtful and I know he will be pleased to receive them.”
