Fundraising page for murdered PC closes after topping £700,000

A fundraising page for murdered police officer Keith Palmer has been closed after raising more than £700,000 for his bereaved family.

The Metropolitan Police Federation, which set up the official JustGiving site, said it felt a “suitable amount” had been collected in memory of the Westminster terror attack victim.

Chairman Ken Marsh denied the closure was linked to criticism over the 5% administration fee which JustGiving takes from each donation and said focus would now turn to raising money for other injured officers.

The page, which was set up at 9.13am on Thursday, received a total of £736,328 in donations for the family of PC Palmer before it closed at midday yesterday.

“When we initially started it up, we had a goal which was £250,000. It surpassed that and that was absolutely incredible,” Mr Marsh said.

“By law, it’s in his name and every penny goes to him – exactly as it should.

“But we also have other colleagues who are seriously injured and will require a lot of help as well.”

Mr Marsh said closing the page had “nothing whatsoever” to do with JustGiving’s administration fee.

“I entered into that knowing fully what they charge – they are a business,” he said.

“You can all have your views and opinions about that but at the end of the day, we would never have raised what we have raised if we hadn’t used JustGiving.”

Stephen Redgewell, Metropolitan Police Federation treasurer, wrote on the JustGiving page: “Thank you everyone for your kind words and donations.”

I entered into that knowing fully what they charge – they are a business. KEN MARSH, METROPOLITAN POLICE FEDERATION CHAIRMAN