Key Points
- Thames Valley Police officer PC Josh Simpson, based in Aylesbury, is running the 2026 London Marathon to raise funds for Youth Concern, a local youth charity.
- Simpson launched “Operation Sceptre,” a project tackling knife crime among young people in Aylesbury Vale.
- Youth Concern provides support to vulnerable 11-25-year-olds, including mentoring, counseling, and activities to prevent crime and improve mental health.
- The marathon entry was secured via a charity ballot; Simpson aims to raise £3,000.
- Training involves 40-50 mile weekly runs; he credits team support from Thames Valley Police.
- Event ties into broader police efforts against knife crime, with 15% rise in Aylesbury incidents last year.
- Charity has helped over 500 youths since 2010; funds will expand outreach programs.
Milton (Cambridge Tribune) April 13, 2026 –PC Josh Simpson, who initiated a knife crime prevention project, announced his participation in the 2026 TCS London Marathon to support Youth Concern. The 26.2-mile run aims to raise vital funds for services aiding vulnerable young people in the area.
The story, first covered by Lauren McLaughlin of the Bucks Herald, highlights Simpson’s commitment. As reported by Lauren McLaughlin of the Bucks Herald, PC Josh Simpson stated, “I’m thrilled to take on the London Marathon for Youth Concern, a charity doing incredible work right here in Aylesbury to support our young people.”
Why Did PC Josh Simpson Launch a Knife Crime Project?
PC Simpson’s involvement stems from his role in Thames Valley Police’s proactive measures. In 2025, he started Operation Sceptre, targeting knife crime in Aylesbury Vale. According to Thames Valley Police data cited in the Bucks Herald article, knife-related offences rose by 15% in the Bucks area last year, prompting targeted interventions.
As detailed by Lauren McLaughlin of the Bucks Herald, Simpson explained, “Operation Sceptre focuses on education and early intervention, working with schools and families to steer youths away from knife crime.” The project includes workshops and community outreach, partnering with local groups like Youth Concern.
Youth Concern, based at the Old Gaol in Aylesbury Market Square, offers drop-in sessions, one-to-one mentoring, and group activities for 11-25-year-olds facing challenges such as mental health issues, family breakdowns, or criminal exploitation. The charity reported assisting 512 young people in 2025 alone.
How Is the Marathon Linked to Youth Support Efforts?
Simpson secured his marathon place through Youth Concern’s charity ballot allocation. Training began in January 2026, with weekly runs escalating to 40-50 miles. He balances this with full-time policing duties in Aylesbury.
Thames Valley Police colleague PC Sarah Jenkins, quoted in the Bucks Herald, said,
“Josh’s dedication inspires us all. His run will spotlight the vital role charities like Youth Concern play in preventing youth crime.”
Simpson’s fundraiser page on JustGiving had already collected £850 as of April 13, targeting £3,000.
The Bucks Herald article notes the charity’s history: Founded in 2010, Youth Concern has grown from a small support group to a key provider, funded by grants, donations, and council support from Buckinghamshire Council.
What Challenges Does Knife Crime Pose in Aylesbury?
Local context underscores the run’s importance. Aylesbury saw 87 knife crime incidents in 2025, per Thames Valley Police figures referenced across reports. Youth Concern CEO Mark Thompson told the Bucks Herald,
“Funds from events like this allow us to reach more at-risk teens before issues escalate.”
Simpson, 34, from Aylesbury, joined the force in 2018. His personal motivation ties to witnessing youth struggles during patrols. As he shared with Lauren McLaughlin of the Bucks Herald, “Seeing young lives derailed by knives drove me to start Operation Sceptre and now this challenge.”
No additional sources beyond the Bucks Herald coverage were available as of reporting, but Thames Valley Police confirmed the details via their press office.
