A POLICE sergeant has completed a year of charity challenges in honour of his father who suffered a major stroke. 

Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale’s father, Patrick Thrale, suffered a stroke in February 2022, inspiring the police officer to take on a series of tough challenges to raise funds for medical research and to support stroke survivors.

Det Sgt Thrale transferred to Southend CID last month from Basildon Domestic Abuse Investigation Team.

Echo: Fundraiser - Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale has raised more than £6,500 for the Stroke Association during a year of challenges.Fundraiser - Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale has raised more than £6,500 for the Stroke Association during a year of challenges. (Image: Essex Police)

Det Sgt Thrale said: “Dad suffered a major stroke and could have been left severely disabled or died if it wasn’t for medical intervention.

“The Stroke Association commissioned the research for the operation Dad had at the Royal London Hospital and I wanted to pay them back for their support.

“Dad’s OK now but still needs round-the-clock care. He manages to live at home because Mum is amazing.

Echo: Cycling - Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale competed in Ride London as a warm-up for his IronmanCycling - Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale competed in Ride London as a warm-up for his Ironman (Image: Essex Police)

“I’m thankful for the quality time we’ve had with him and this challenge shows what he means to me.”

Together with his two children, his niece and his nephew, the group set out on challenges in 2023.

The challenges including playing 365 holes of golf, abstaining from alcohol for a year and playing a 26 set tennis marathon. 

Echo: Par - Almost a 'fairy tale hole in one' finish to Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale's golf Par challenge - his 365th hole at par or better - a tap-in for a BirdiePar - Almost a 'fairy tale hole in one' finish to Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale's golf Par challenge - his 365th hole at par or better - a tap-in for a Birdie (Image: Essex Police)

The group also completed an Ironman – consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile run – a series of running challenges, and volunteered at Havens 

While training for the Ironman, Det Sgt Thrale took part in Ride London on May 28, cycling 100 miles in five hours 38 minutes and also took part in a 2.4-mile open water swim in Bedford.

Det Sgt Thrale also completed an ultra-marathon on December 18, running 33 miles between his father’s childhood homes in East Ham and Westcliff in six hours and 27 minutes.

Echo: Late Nights - Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale often trained for his challenges early in the morning or after his children had gone to bedLate Nights - Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale often trained for his challenges early in the morning or after his children had gone to bed (Image: Essex Police)

He added:  “Having finished that last run and with the end of the year in sight, I feel a sense of relief and of pride.

"I’m really happy that I’ve achieved what I set out to and have raised more than £6,500 so far.”

To support Dan’s fundraising for the Stroke Association, please visit: bit.ly/47ikg5M.