ONE of the real delights of being an MP is meeting extraordinary people. Over the years I have had the chance to meet many, from presidents to astronauts, and scientists to pop stars. But some of the most remarkable people are the quiet, unsung heroes of our community – the people who make things work through dogged diligence and and an unswerving sense of community spirit. The people who get on with things and ask nothing in return save the knowledge that they have done their best and made a difference.

One such individual was a man I knew very well, both through his service in charge of Wyre Forest’s police, and through our work together as governors of Kidderminster College. Inspector Paul Crowley was, for many years, my main point of contact with the local police. He showed the same level of interest in every single case, treating issues as an individual problem that deserved his attention, never showing special favour to any person or group. He was meticulous in his attention to detail and pragmatic in his approach tackling the problems facing communities like ours. His approach certainly worked as crime in our area fell at a faster rate than elsewhere in the region or the country.

At the time of his retirement, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Many people would have despaired at this news, but for Paul, this was an opportunity to devote his energies raising money to research this condition which has tragically poor outcomes. A keen cyclist, he organised fundraising through sponsored rides and it was at one such event in Stourport when I saw his humanity most in action, picking up a crying toddler who had fallen off her bike, cheering her up in his special, kind manner, and sending on her way with renewed confidence.

Paul lost his battle with cancer this week. There is never a good time to pass, but Christmas must be the worse. I will miss his wise guidance, but his family will be grief-stricken. Paul was one of the most special, kind and human people I have ever met. My, and I am sure all of our thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family. In this tragic time, they can be proud of this truly heroic individual, an individual with a huge heart and a massive sense of community spirit.