Canadian officers joined Greater Manchester Police this month to commemorate the 10th anniversary of former GMP constable Daniel Woodall, who was shot and killed while serving with Edmonton Police in 2015.

The visiting Canadian delegation began their tribute at the GMP police museum before touring Manchester landmarks. Chief Constable Stephen Watson received a commemorative plaque from the officers on their second day, setting the tone for the week’s main event - the Woodall Cup charity football match held on 9 May.

Edmonton Police’s football team claimed victory in the memorial match, which has become an annual tradition since 2016 when five GMP officers first traveled to Canada for the second Woodall Cup. Detective Sergeant Dominic Beaver from Bolton CID, who organized both the match and the Canadian visit, explained the connection: “Dan started his police career at GMP around the same time as I did, then Dan and his wife transferred over to Canada. He knew a school friend of mine who lives in Edmonton and as ex-pats, they used to watch the UK football together.”

The event raised funds for Salford-based child bereavement charity Once Upon a Smile, which supported Woodall’s children after they returned to the UK following their father’s death. Detective Paul Branco from Edmonton police homicide section praised the hospitality: “Sedgley was a great place for our team to stay. We really appreciated how unique the accommodations were, we don’t have that kind of history and character in Edmonton. Plus, the fact Dan’s commemorative tree was right there added to how special it was.”

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