Bedfordshire’s first black male police officer gives his life story in Bedford book launch

Bedfordshire’s first black male police officer plans to tell his life story through a series of small books.

The first chapters of Eric Edwin’s memoir Getting my House in Order were published last month – and the official book launch is tomorrow (Thursday.

It will be in the University of Bedfordshire’s Gateway Building on the Bedford campus at 5pm.

Over the course of a year, Eric had regular conversations with Dr Nicola Darwood, senior lecturer in English literature and Dr Oliver Belas, course coordinator for the BA education degree – and the trio started to bring Eric’s life stories together into a series of chapbooks which are smaller forms of literature.

Eric joined the force in 1979 – going on to serve for 42 years – 30 as a police officer and 12 as police civilian staff specialising in covert policing, fraud, and financial investigation.

He is also a former amateur bodybuilder and his parents were part of the Windrush generation – all providing plenty of interesting material for a memoir.

In 2016, Eric was diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma and he hopes his book will help others, alongside raising funds for cancer.

He said: “I’m honoured and privileged to be in the position that I am in as we speak. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had no intention to be doing what we’re doing at this moment in time.

"I thank my true friends and work colleagues for putting the idea in my head. I thank the University of Bedfordshire for supporting me and making the project work.”

Through a crowdfunding appeal, more than £1,000 has been raised for Myeloma UK and Macmillan Cancer Care, and to contribute towards the printing costs of Eric’s memoir.

Dr Darwood said: “Eric’s story is one which will resonate with many people; it’s a story of courage and fortitude, told with a real sense of humour. It’s been a huge pleasure and privilege to have been able to listen and talk with Eric, and to be part of the writing process, bringing his story to a wider audience while also helping to raise money for the two charities so close to Eric’s heart.”

Dr Belas added: “I count myself very lucky to be working and have become friends with Eric. Eric is warm, generous and modest – it was with some reluctance that he began this project. That he's entrusted us with his stories is a real privilege, and I hope that the chapbooks do those stories something close to justice.”