Funeral held for Nottinghamshire police officer killed in the line of duty

Hundreds of friends and colleagues joined Graham’s family to remember the fallen officer, who died on August 29 from injuries he suffered five days earlier when he was hit by a train trying to help a distressed man on the railway at Balderton.

The service, which took place at Southwell Minster, was led by Major Pamela Ralph-Barratt of the Salvation Army, assisted by the Revd Paul Rattigan.

The funeral service was held on Monday, October 23 and included a procession from The Burgage to the Minster, where a Guard of Honour comprising more than 50 of Graham’s policing colleagues formed as the hearse arrived at the cathedral church.

Opening the service, Major Pamela Ralph-Barratt described Graham as ‘one of a kind’ who was ‘thoughtful and caring’.

She added: “He was a team player and an amazing role model.

"He was respected and always gave people credit when credit was due.”

Moving tributes were also given during the service by members of Graham’s family, as well as PC Matthew Pugsley, who worked alongside Graham at Radford Road Police Station.

Ahead of the funeral, Graham’s family said they’d been deeply touched by the messages of support they’ve received since his passing.

They said: “At this tragic time it’s very difficult to find the right words to express the sadness and loss that we feel as a family.

“Graham had a gentle character and genuinely cared.

"He was dependable, respected, compassionate, supportive, with a quirky sense of humour.

"These qualities made him an excellent police officer, but also a great person to have in your life in whatever form that took.

“He would never have thought of himself as being brave or a hero, he was a policeman who just got on with what needed to be done and very much loved his job and the challenges he faced every day.

"He never questioned becoming a police officer and having the opportunity to make a real difference.

“We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of messages of respect and support for Graham and humbled by the generosity of the general public.

“We would like to express our thanks to all of the critical care team at the Queen’s Medical Centre, his colleagues, the ambulance crew that attended and the policing family for their kind support and all they have done for Graham.

“Graham leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but we are immensely proud of everything he has done both personally and professionally

"He’ll be in all of our hearts forever and never forgotten.”

Among those in attendance at today’s funeral were many of Graham’s colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police, including response officers at Radford Road and Newark police stations where he worked.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said the number of officers at the funeral was testament to how well-liked and respected Graham was among his colleagues.

She said: “This has been an extremely difficult time and I would like to thank everyone who came to pay their respects to Graham.

“As a force we will continue to support Graham’s family and work closely with them to ensure that Graham, his service and sacrifice is never forgotten.”