Top police woman dies at 45

Karin Mulligan

One of Britain's most senior black police women has lost her battle with cancer – aged just 45.

Karin Mulligan, chief inspector at Rochdale police station, died just minutes after being presented with a Policing Excellence Award from the National Black Police Association.

The mum-of-two was described by colleagues as a “pioneer” after serving 27 dedicated years in the police force.

The dedicated sports fanatic had her name down for this years Race for Life event, and vowed to finish the race in a wheelchair if she had to, in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Mrs. Mulligan died at the Bury Hospice on Friday.

Her husband Kevin Mulligan, who is a chief superintendent at GMP said: “Karin was firstly an amazing mother who loved her family enormously.

"She was also an exemplary police officer who challenged injustice and prejudice wherever she found it, thereby, earning the respect and admiration of many.

"She was compassionate and acted with great integrity. She earned the respect and admiration of many. Myself, our children, family and friends loved her and will never forget her."

A heartfelt note on the family's Race for Life sponsorship page adds: "Our lovely sister Karin was only diagnosed with stomach cancer mid Jan 09.

“She thought she would be able to complete this race for life event even in a wheelchair as she had a prognosis of 12-24 months. Despite her strength and courage Karin died on 27 March 09.

"Till the end she was aware of how much she was loved by everyone that knew her and how much her love and hard work meant to us all."

Vice president of the NBPA Tony Smikle said: "On behalf of the NBPA it is my pleasure to award you the NBPA policing excellence award for the superb and at times super human efforts you have made to policing nationally and in Manchester."

Mrs Mulligan left five sisters and four brothers - five of whom have served in the police in this country and abroad.

The officer, who joined the police as a cadet in 1980, enjoyed judo, swimming, netball and athletics. She was the highest ranking black police woman at Greater Manchester Police.

She worked as a uniformed constable in South Manchester before being promoted to sergeant at Salford.

She later moved to the force equal opportunities division, before being posted to the Rochdale division in 1995, where she was promoted to inspector in August 1997.

She also worked for a time at the National Police Training centre in Harrogate.

After being promoted to chief inspector in November 2000, she was posted to the force public protection unit. She also worked in training and criminal justice partnerships in Rochdale. Before becoming ill she was doing some superintendent duties on a temporary basis.

GMP Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "Karin was a person with tremendous spirit and an abiding love of people. She made a great contribution to policing in Greater Manchester and will be sadly missed.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."

A funeral service is to be held at 10.30am on Thursday at the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Altrincham Road, Wythenshawe, followed by a reception to celebrate her life at the police Hough End Centre.