Raoul Moat victim Pc David Rathband praises charity

Blinded police officer David Rathband has returned to Stafford for the first time since he was blasted in the face by crazed killer Raoul Moat.

Stafford-born Pc Rathband, his wife Kath and daughter Mia, 12, stayed for the weekend with family friends of 10 years at Lapley, near Penkridge. He said it had been a pleasure to meet so many of his old friends as well as family members.

Last night he spoke about his new Blue Lamp Foundation charity at a £25-a-head meal and auction in aid of the cause at old friend Stuart Blackley's pub The Shropshire Inn in Haughton.

The former football referee also went along to Penkridge's under-15 team match against Gnosall.

"It is nice to be able to do normal things and meet up with old friends. It is the first time I have been back to Stafford since I was blinded. We have made Newcastle our family home, but it was always nice to see the sign for Stafford when I came back and know you are where your roots are," he said.

Mr Rathband says that he has had lots of support from people from his home town since the shooting.

"I want to say thank you all all the people I know from Stafford for their continued support. It is nice to see that so many local people have taken up what I am trying to do," he added.

At last night's fundraiser he did not want to speak much about Moat but concentrated on how the foundation aims to raise £1 million to support those in the emergency services injured in the line of duty.

"What happened on July 4 happened. Now I want to move on and highlight the aims of the Blue Light Foundation. Hopefully it will go on from strength to strength," he stressed.

For details on the charity visit www.bluelamp-foundation.org