A PREVIOUS Southend The police officer recalled how a drug gang tied a noose around his neck and threw him off a balcony as he shed light on the trauma police officers face every day.
Bob Craven, 75, began his career as a frontline officer in Southend before working in Basildon, Chelmsford and Canvey during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
He spoke about his experiences in hopes of highlighting the traumatic situations police face when he launched a fundraising effort for mental health, asthma and heart charities.
In 1983, during an undercover drug investigation, he was beaten by a drug gang and thrown off a fifth-story balcony with a rope tied around his neck.
He suffered a broken leg and a collapsed lung, but the long-term impact on his mental health has been far worse than his injuries.
Mr Craven said: “The mental health impacts are a late reaction to these incidents and for a while I didn’t know why I was having blackouts, nausea and diarrhoea.
“I still have flashbacks and things trigger horrible memories. It’s been terrible at times, but I’m getting better at dealing with it. I also suffer from heart disease and asthma caused by the stress of the incidents. I have flashbacks at night when I’m asleep about three times a week and sometimes it can be horrible.
He was later promoted to national. crime intelligence service and worked with the major incident team on the force.
He suffered serious injuries in 1979 on Enfield High Street when he was driven on the bonnet of a getaway car for over a mile and shot.
He added, “I have ways to cope and deal with these incidents, such as writing down my thoughts and feelings and also remembering good times and memories.
“I want to raise money for charities that have helped me tremendously, like Mind and Asthma UK.”
Despite walking difficulties due to his heart problems, he is set to walk Southend Pier 30 times between February and May.
He is also planning other walking events and exhibits of his life and journey.
To donate to their pages see www.
justgiving.com/page/bobcelebrating30years or www.justgiving.com/page/bob-craven-1659522441536
