PC Eden McClymont, branch chair Liz Groom and Eden's boyfriend, fellow officer, Matthew Smith
The Home Secretary has paid tribute to all of the nominees for this year’s Bravery Awards, including Cambridgeshire Police officer PC Eden McClymont.
Yvette Cooper’s speech at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) awards paid tribute to officers and thanked their families for their support.
Ms Cooper said: “I say this on behalf of people right across the country, we are hugely grateful for the bravery you show.
“Not just to face the really difficult things but then also to get back up the following morning and to face it all again.
“Thank you for doing that. Thank you for caring so much for the job that you do.
“And thank you so much for being part of the amazing thing that is British policing.
“Thank you for keeping us safe.”
The Home Secretary added: “Family members do so much to support all of our police family in the work they do.
“The policing family includes all of those family members who are here, who have to get the kids to school and sorting things out at home.
“They deal with the stress and the worry and provide the support so that every one of you can do your job, so please join with me in saying a huge thank you and paying tribute to these people.”
Eden was nominated after single-handedly detaining a violent shoplifter until back-up could complete an arrest at a Co-Op store in Peterborough.
She was just a year into her policing career when the incident happened in October 2024.
The offender launched at least 10 blows to Eden’s face and head, injuring her left eye. He scratched Eden, drawing blood from her forehead, and verbally abused her.
The emergency button on the student officer’s radio would not activate, but she managed to contain him for nearly half an hour, eventually using her PAVA spray to bring him under control, before colleagues arrived after shop staff dialled 999.
Eden attended the Bravery Awards with her partner and fellow Cambridgeshire Police officer, PC Matthew Smith.
She said: “It’s pretty clear from how many people have been nominated that every person has just been doing their job.
“It’s nice that doing your job has brought such a great experience and something we can all enjoy.”
Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom congratulated Eden on her nomination.
Liz said: “On behalf of Cambridgeshire Police Federation, I congratulate Eden on her nomination. We are incredibly proud of her.
“The Bravery Awards is an amazing event that shows off the very best of policing, highlighting the courageous and selfless acts that keep the people safe.
“Officers are risking their lives every day, running towards danger to protect the public, and it is something we should never take for granted.
“We thank them all.”
Liz added: “Officers and their families make sacrifices all year round, from not doing the walk to school to missing landmark events and celebrations.
“Their families also share the ups and downs and uncertainties of police life.
“So it’s really pleasing to hear the Home Secretary acknowledge the vital role that our families play.”
This year’s overall winners of the Bravery Awards were Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, PC Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry, from Merseyside Police.
The trio confronted and detained Axel Rudakubana after he killed three children at a dance class in Southport on Monday 29 July 2024.
The Region 4: Eastern winners were PC Tom McGrath and PC Jack Milman from Leicestershire Police.
The Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, sent a video message to all those nominated.
He said: “When faced with life-threatening risks, or an acutely distressing situation, most people would run or back away.
“But not you. You step up. You go towards the danger. You put the needs of others before your own. That’s why policing truly is a job like no other.
“It’s why my government will always do everything in our power to support you in your vital mission.
“On behalf of our whole country, I want you to know we appreciate your skill, your service, and your sacrifice. Not just today, but always.”
The Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, added: “Congratulations to every single nominee. You deserve all the plaudits and praise you receive.
“Regardless of whether you won or not, I hope you are all feeling incredibly proud of yourself. Your families, friends, and colleague are also incredibly proud of you.
“For all that you have done and continue to do, thank you.”
PFEW national chair, Tiff Lynch, also thanked and praised officers for their ‘unwavering dedication, never knowing what challenges they may face’.
Tiff said: “In the face of uncertainty, danger and adversity they act with courage and professionalism – not for accolades or applause, but because they truly believe in their duty to protect others.
“Tonight, as we celebrate the 30th Police Bravery Awards, we come together to recognise those whose actions have gone far beyond what is expected. The stories we share are not just examples of bravery – they are powerful reminders of the extraordinary risks officers take to keep our communities safe.
“Whether confronting violent attackers, rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations, or making split-second decisions under immense pressure, these officers have shown exceptional courage and selflessness.”
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