Tributes paid to 'inspirational' police federation deputy chair after death aged 53

Sam Hughes, who joined the force in 2003, died on Wednesday.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and on returning to work the following year worked in the public protection unit in West Bromwich within the review and allocation team.

In 2020, she became a federation workplace representative with a determination to use her own experiences of working in domestic abuse, response, neighbourhood roles and public order situations, to support colleagues with the issues and demands they were facing.

She also wanted to share the highs and lows of returning to work after her treatment to help others in similar situations, putting together a booklet of tips and advice for anyone diagnosed with a serious illness which was circulated around the force and promoted nationwide.

She became deputy chairwoman of West Midlands Police Federation in December 2021 and was intent on developing the branch’s wellbeing support, particularly in relation to mental health which she could see was becoming a major issue.

Sadly, she was only a short time into her new role when she was given a further cancer diagnosis.

Tim Rogers, secretary of the West Midlands Police Federation, said she was an "amazing, inspirational and genuine lady".

"She came into the federation role with a firm desire to use her own experiences to help others," he said.

"Sam always thought of everyone else.

“It is heartbreaking that her life has been cut short.

"She will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with her husband, Shaun, her two children, wider family, friends and colleagues.”