Melton policeman's widow pays tribute to '˜the most loving, caring dad you could ever meet'

The widow of a police officer who died suddenly while on duty at the age of 38 has paid a moving tribute to the father of four young children.
Dedicated father and husband Austin Jackson with his four children and wife Simone EMN-170330-140901001Dedicated father and husband Austin Jackson with his four children and wife Simone EMN-170330-140901001
Dedicated father and husband Austin Jackson with his four children and wife Simone EMN-170330-140901001

Simone Jackson talked about how husband Austin loved his career in the force and doted on their children, Imogen, Darcie, Harriett and Evan.

The family, who live in the Leicester Road area of Melton, thanked friends, colleagues and other members of the public for their messages of support.

Mrs Jackson said: “As well as being a dedicated bobby, he was the most dedicated father to our four children.

“He loved nothing more than family time and the children looked forward to his days off to spend as much time with him as they could. He was the most loving, caring dad you could ever meet.”

She added: “I’m lost without my husband; life is so precious and the time we spent together over 14 years are the memories that will keep me and our children going for the rest of our lives.

“At this horrific time we are comforted by the amazing tributes and help, not only from the police family, but also people Austin met throughout his short life.

“Our children and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

Pc Jackson was on duty in Leicester when he complained of feeling unwell on March 16. He died later that day.

Colleagues launched an online fundraising page for his family which generated £1,000 within two hours and which has to-date raised more than £11,000.

He will be given a full police funeral at Leicester Cathedral on April 7 at 11am. It will be a private service for family and friends.

Police officers from across Leicestershire are expected to attend on what will be an emotional day for the force.

Mrs Jackson said: “Austin loved his job as a police officer and we were all so proud of him when his dream came true 10 years ago.”

The family would like donations to be made to the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity via MD Lowe and Sons Family Funeral Services on 0116 269 6575. Pc Jackson ran the London Marathon four years ago in aid of the cause because a close friend suffers from heart problems.

Go online to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/PC2246AustinJackson to pledge money for the online fundraising page for Pc Jackson’s family.