Bryn’s victims crusade

Photo: Vincent Brown

GROUP huddle: from left, Niall Raza, Macie Bennett, Bryn Hughes, Isobel Turner and Nial Weldon. Trying on the polar gear is Joseph Henderson.

THE father of murdered police officer Nicola Hughes has given up his job to help children who have lost family members to violent crime.

Bryn Hughes (51) lost his daughter in horrific circumstances when PCs Nicola Hughes (23) of Diggle, and Fiona Bone (32) were lured to their deaths in a gun and grenade attack by wanted man Dale Cregan in September 2012.

Bryn (51) set up the Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund, which has so far raised £292,000 and helped young people across the country with school clothing, laptops and school trips to offset their grief.

Mr Hughes is now calling on businesses to help provide apprenticeships, training and driving lessons as he seeks to make a difference.

He said: “Our logo is a butterfly — firstly because Nicola loved butterflies, but also because of the butterfly effect. If we ‘flap our wings’ now, what difference could that make to a child 10 years into the future?

Mr Hughes has fundraising initiatives planned, including a John O’Groats to Land’s End baton relay. He also intends to run seven marathons on seven continents over the next seven years, starting with the New York marathon next year and ending with the South Pole marathon in 2021.

Mr Hughes said the fund is hoping to provide opportunities for children to progress in life despite tragic circumstances.