Friends of murdered Matt Ratana complete charity walk

Met Police Sgt Matt Ratana was fatally shot at a custody centre in Croydon

Friends of a murdered Met Police officer have completed a 100-mile (161km) charity walk in his memory.

Sgt Matt Ratana was shot dead while on duty at a custody centre in Croydon, south London, on 25 September 2020.

Louis De Zoysa, 26, was given a whole life term in jail for the murder.

Friends of the former East Grinstead Rugby Club coach began the walk in Reading, Berkshire, on Sunday and ended in Bristol, where a fundraiser rugby match will be held.

New Zealand-born Sgt Ratana, who lived in Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex, was shot as he was about to search de Zoysa, who had smuggled an antique gun into a cell.

The 54-year-old had been at East Grinstead Rugby Club for three years prior to his death.

In December 2020, he was awarded the Unsung Hero award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year following a nomination by the club.

Sean Morgan, assistant head coach at the club, said: "He was audacious in setting aspirations for people and telling them how wonderful they could be if they worked harder."

During the 100-mile challenge, walkers were hosted by rugby clubs along the route.

The charity match, which will include former international rugby players, will help raise funds for community rugby.

Friends of the former East Grinstead Rugby Club coach completed the walk on Wednesday

Since Sgt Ratana's death, a foundation and a scheme launched to divert young people away from crime have been set up in his honour.

Antony Weller, volunteer at the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation, said the adverse weather conditions had not dampened the spirits of those taking part in the walk.

"It's been tough but it's been fantastic, and a real testament to the sort of person Matt was - so friendly towards everyone."

Amy Atkinson, director of the foundation, said it had already had a profound impact on the community.

"I have coached a young man who, at the end of the session, checked his phone and learned that his friend had been stabbed very close by," she said.

"There was a devastating realisation that if he hadn't had been here, he would have been there with them."

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