'She was a bright light': Fundraising page set up in memory of much-loved Leeds police sergeant
Thousands of pounds have already been raised in memory of a much loved police sergeant following her sudden death.
West Yorkshire Police yesterday announced that Sergeant Coleen Mellor died at her home in Horbury, Wakefield, last Thursday (January 15) while off duty. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.
Coleen, 40, joined West Yorkshire Police as a member of staff in 2007. She then became a police constable in 2019 and initially worked in Wakefield.
In March 2024, she moved to Leeds on being promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Her best friend Elisia Sharpe has set up a go-fund me page in memory of Coleen and to help raise money for her family.
So far the page has already raised more than £5,000 to support Coleen’s two treasured sons Noah, 16, and Charlie, 12, alongside their father Craig.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Elisia said the family were already incredibly touched by the support they had received.
She said: “We are so overwhelmed and so grateful and just wish she could see how loved she was and how much this has touched everyone.
“We would like to say a big thank you and we love and miss her forever.”
On the page, Elisia said: “Coleen was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her, but most importantly a devoted mother to Noah and Charlie.
“ While we cannot replace the love of a mother, we can surround Noah and Charlie with the support from the community for the two boys she loved with all her heart.
“Noah will sit his GCSE's this year and Charlie is in year 8 at school. The boys loved their mum so deeply, and facing their future without her is unimaginable.
“I have set up a GoFundMe to support Craig and the boys through this incredibly difficult time.
“The funds raised will help to give them some breathing space. Whether that's to help with everyday costs, time off work so Craig can support Noah and Charlie, or simply space to grieve and begin to heal.
“We will love her forever. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jones said: “Coleen was well-respected and valued by all those who knew and worked with her.
“Her death has come as a great shock to everyone at West Yorkshire Police, and my thoughts remain with Coleen’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
A statement from the West Yorkshire Police Federation read: “Coleen will be remembered on the Wakefield and Leeds district teams as a popular colleague and she will be much missed.”
West Yorkshire Police have said that Coleen’s family and colleagues are being supported by specially trained officers, staff, and dedicated support services.
To donate to the fundraising page visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-pc-4629-mellor-for-craig-and-her-boys