Blackpool Detective to run marathon to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

Detective Superintendent Ian Critchley

A DETECTIVE who heads up Lancashire’s public protection team is to run two marathons to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

A DETECTIVE who heads up Lancashire’s public protection team is to run two marathons to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

Detective Superintendent Ian Critchley will represent both Lancashire Constabulary and the Children’s Society when he takes part in the Preston Guild marathon this Sunday (October 28) and the London marathon in April next year.

Det Supt Critchley is the force’s lead for public protection, which includes working towards preventing young people from becoming victims of child sexual exploitation. This is a form of abuse where young people are forced or manipulated into sexual activity. The abuser may groom the young person into trusting them – this can be done face-to-face or online – and they then exploit this trust for their own gain.

Lancashire Constabulary is one of the leading forces in the country for its approach to tackling child sexual exploitation and has been held up as an example of best practice by the government.

Det Supt Critchley said: "I’m running both marathons for the Children's Society, who I have now worked with in partnership with Lancashire Police for a number of years - they do some fantastic work with children who go missing or are sexually exploited. Both Lancashire Constabulary and the Children’s Society are committed to tackling this kind of abuse and making the county as safer place for youngsters.

Matthew Reed, the Children’s Society chief executive, said: "I am delighted that Detective Superintendent Ian Critchley is taking part in the Preston Guild marathon to raise money and awareness for The Children’s Society. As a charity we rely on donations to continue our vital work supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, including child sexual exploitation work and young runaways.

"Ian plays a vital role with his work on child sexual exploitation. Lancashire Constabulary has been held as an example of best practise in a number of reports helping to make this issue a priority for police and other agencies.

"As a runner myself I understand his commitment and thank him for his generous support.”

If you would like to donate you can do so through the website tp://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Critchley

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