Well-known Carlisle police officer and committed fundraiser Debbie Hall has died after a long battle with cancer.

Debbie died on Wednesday, surrounded by her family, leaving behind what one friend described on social media as a “legacy that will provide strength to others.”

Debbie was only 50. She was both a mother and a grandmother.

Despite being given a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2015, Debbie worked tirelessly to raise funds for cancer charities, alongside her duties as a serving officer with Cumbria Police.

The diagnosis Debbie received in 2015 was her second battle with cancer, having faced her first diagnosis in January 2003 at the age of 32 - four days before she first joined the police.

Debbie, who lost her mum at the age of 58 to cancer, threw herself into fundraising and voluntary work to support others facing cancer.

Cycling a coast-to-coast route, completing the Race for Life and organising a number of charity fundraising nights, Debbie also volunteered for MacMillan Nurses, supporting newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families.

Even while attending Perthshire’s police treatment centre, Debbie could be found visiting local businesses, helping to raise awareness of cancer and funds to fight it.

Debbie returned to her police duties in December 2003, and continued to raise funds for cancer-related causes, going on to raise tens of thousands of pounds throughout the following years.

In 2015, Debbie was again diagnosed with cancer in her bones and her liver. She was told she would have, at most, six months to live.

But Debbie refused to give up.

Joining a medical trial at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, Debbie found she was able to continue working, first in the police control room and then as part of a multi-agency hub.

Alongside her police work, Debbie continued her fundraising, completing a number of sponsored runs - even a skydive.

In recognition of Debbie’s ability to inspire others through her efforts, she was given an award by the British Association of Women in Policing in July 2017.

Even at the awards ceremony she continued to inspire - receiving a standing ovation at the close of her passionate speech to the crowd.

For a time, it appeared that the clinical trial Debbie was a part of had begun to beat back the cancer.

However as 2018 began, doctors discovered the tumours in Debbie’s bones and liver had grown.

It was then that Debbie began looking further afield for treatment. Pioneering techniques in Germany offered hope - but would have cost her £75,000.

Upon learning this, her police colleague Sergeant Chris Blain set up an online fundraising page, in the hope that the “truly inspirational” Debbie who had spent years helping so many others would receive the help she needed.

It wasn’t long before hundreds of people had poured tens of thousands of pounds into the fund.

Speaking to the News & Star in 2018, Debbie said how humbling it was for hundreds, some she didn’t know, to have shown such kindness to her.

“I’ve had people ringing me that I don’t even know,” she said. “It’s very humbling. It’s overwhelming... I can’t really express how it makes me feel.”

Debbie’s desire to help others was not dampened by her advancing illness.

Speaking last summer, she said: “If I can support somebody else by speaking to them, advising them, pointing them in the right direction... that makes me happy. Even without the illness I would want to help people.”

The fundraising total for Debbie’s pioneering cancer treatment in Germany stands today at just over £71,000.

In an update published on Debbie’s online fundraising page, Sgt Blain said: “Having spoken to Debbie’s family and knowing Debbie’s wishes she would like to continue fundraising, with any donations going towards Eden Valley Hospice and other cancer related charities yet to be announced.”

He said that the next fundraising event that had been planned for next Saturday will still go ahead.

Sgt Blain added: “Debbie touched all our hearts in various ways.

“A truly inspirational woman who will never be forgotten.”

Click here to go to Debbie's online crowdfunding page.

Police Chief Constable leads tributes to Debbie

Cumbria police’s Chief Constable has joined scores of others in paying tribute to Debbie Hall, a “well-liked, professional” police officer.

PC Debbie Hall died on Wednesday at the age of 50, after a five-year battle with cancer. She had spent 17 years with Cumbria police, having first joined in January 2003.

Debbie served in a number of roles within the force, including as Currock and Upperby’s community police officer, in the constabulary’s control room, and as part of a multi-agency hub.

Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said that it was with “deep sadness” that she learned of Debbie’s death.

“Any death within the police family hits us all hard. Debbie was a well-liked, professional officer who was highly thought of by her colleagues,” Chief Constable Skeer said.

“Debbie was battling an illness for some time, her dedication and commitment to her duties as a police officer were a testimony to her determination and strength of character.

“The funds raised for her shows how highly thought of she was by family, friends, colleagues and the wider community.

“All our thoughts are with Debbie’s family and friends at this difficult time and our heartfelt condolences go out to them.”

Many others joined Cumbria police’s Chief Constable in paying tribute to Debbie.

Her death was first announced yesterday on social media.

Writing in response to the news that Debbie had died, Jenny Beattie said: “I know she will never be forgotten and her legacy will provide strength to others.”

Michelle Park said that Debbie was a “truly beautiful and amazing lady”.

Helen Graham said that Debbie “gave hope to a lot of people”.

“I only knew you for a short time Debbie,” Helen said. “But I knew how strong you were and what an inspiration you are.

“You have raised a lot of awareness and you are truly going to be missed.

“Your legacy will live on.”

Denise Napier added that the inspiration Debbie gave to others “will live on always”.

Caz Ann wrote: “May you rest in the knowledge of the support, encouragement, inspiration and lessons you gave to others, your presence will be so sadly missed.”

Jackie Beattie said that Debbie was “an inspirational lady and my lovely friend, who fought to the very end”.

“Thoughts go to her family who she loved so much, her police family and all her friends,” she said.

“She will be very sadly missed.”

Christian Sharpe described Debbie as a “true fighter, and such a lovely lass.

“I only knew you for a short time but I know you will live on in our hearts,” he said.

Kitty Nixon said that Debbie was a “true inspiration to others”.

“I don’t think I ever saw you without a huge smile on your face,” she recalled. “Thinking of your family and friends at this truly terrible time.”

Sergeant Chris Blain, a Cumbria police colleague of Debbie’s, shared the news of her death on social media yesterday.

It was Sgt Blain who set up an online fundraising page for Debbie in 2018, in the hope of raising £75,000 to fund advanced cancer treatment in Germany.

He thanked all those who had donated to the fund since it was first set up, and all those who had shared messages of support which he said had given “great comfort” to Debbie throughout her long battle with cancer.

“Your vital support in both fundraising and donating to the crowdfunding site provided Debbie not only with treatment options but also great comfort from your positive comments and adoration,” Sgt Blain said.

“You gave her strength to carry on her fight and extend her quality of life allowing her more time with her family.”