‘Mad’ John Harding MBE

Dear Family and Friends,

Our much love friend/colleague/teacher “Mad John” has sadly passed away after a very short illness on Saturday 10th June 2023 with his family by his side.

We have all learnt some robust life skills from John in his very own unique way.

John had a vast amount of knowledge and experience on officer safety training and he was always willing to support new recruits and experienced officers in their time of need.

John joined the metropolitan police service on Monday 30th November 1981 as Special Constable, before moving into the officer safety role at Plaistow Police Station, where we all know and love him as “Mad John”

During his 42 years’ service, he has saved our skin on numerous occasions and supported us through thick and thin. During this time to name a few achievements he was made a honorary life member of the Amateur Judo Association, fellow of the British association for physical training. Referee of the British judo council, associate teacher for the international combat martial arts federation.

John has not only supported the Met Police, he has trained police forces all over the world, he is a subject matter expert in knife crime and combat knives, this was acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday honours in 2012 whereby he was honoured with a MBE [Member of the British Empire] for his services to policing.

John spoke about his time meeting the Queen and how hard it was not to use his normal tone of language and how this was the only time he was nervous.

We are raising funds to support his wife and children with the funeral costs in order to make sure “Mad John” has the best send off as possible.

Please contribute as much or as little as you can afford.

The closing date for this funding page will be Friday 23rd June 2023 in order to allow the funds to reach his family in good time.

We thank our loved John for supporting us every day of his life

Rest in Peace John x