The team behind this lovable Sunderland pensioner's unforgettable day as a detective nominated for award

The policing team that made a lovable pensioner’s lifelong dream of solving crime a reality have been nominated for a prestigious award.
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A group of police officers created an unforgettable day for 70-year-old Margaret Thornton, who grew up wanting to solve some of the region’s trickiest crimes and now lives in Penshaw.

Houghton-born Margaret, who has terminal cancer, saw her ambition become a reality last year as she cracked the case and became detective for the day – visiting the scene of a fictitious hit and run before catching the suspect and conducting an interview in custody.

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She was then given a tour around Millbank Police Station in South Shields and presented a special commendation by Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt following her crime-cracking heroics.

Sergeant Lisa Thubron and MargaretSergeant Lisa Thubron and Margaret
Sergeant Lisa Thubron and Margaret

Now the team who helped bring her day to life have been nominated for a ‘Working Together’ award at the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation’s Staff Excellence Awards, which will be held in Newcastle later this month.

“I had the most amazing day,” Margaret said. “I always wanted to be a detective; it had been on my bucket list ever since I was young so it really was a dream come true.

“The whole team went above and beyond anything I could have expected to make sure I had an unforgettable day. They showed such kindness to do this in their spare time – I can’t thank them enough.

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“They deserve this award nomination and I’ll have my fingers crossed that they win. Their kindness is something that I’ll never forget.”

The team with Margaret and her nurse ShaleenThe team with Margaret and her nurse Shaleen
The team with Margaret and her nurse Shaleen

Chief Supt Pitt added: “I know how much work the team put in to make sure Margaret had a great day, and that’s testament to how wonderful she is.

“This nomination is richly deserved and I’m incredibly proud of my staff, as well as our partners at the fire service and the NHS Foundation Trust, who helped give this very special lady a day to remember.”

The awards will take place on Friday, March 27 at Newcastle Civic Centre where the winners will be announced.

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