Mel Thomas

Meldin (Mel/MT) Thomas QPM was born in Leicester to first-generation Windrush parents from Antigua and has dedicated his life to serving and supporting his community.

From a young age, Mel understood the value of community with his parents been active in their community.

Before he ever put on a police uniform, he was already making a difference working in leisure centres across the city, guiding people through fitness plans, and keeping young people safe at what was then the Granby Halls roller skating rink.

As a postman, his commitment to wellbeing stood out.

When the Chief Postmaster discovered he was a qualified gym instructor, he was asked to build a fitness suite for staff. He didn’t just build it, he created a space that transformed the health of the workforce and continues to operate to this day.

In 1991 When he joined Leicestershire Police, a 30‑year career serving as a Constable, Sergeant, and Acting Inspector.

His work shaped the way officers prepared for the realities of policing—whether through personal safety, first aid, PSU, Taser, CBRN, or fitness training.

He believed that training wasn’t just about skills; it was about fairness, dignity, and ensuring every officer felt valued and respected.

Equality wasn’t a box to tick, it was a responsibility.

Since retirement his commitment to inclusion eventually led him to his current role as a Positive Action Officer, where he works for the Leicestershire Police to ensure that employees and  underrepresented communities see policing as a place where they belong.

For him, representation isn’t a slogan; it’s a commitment to the next generation.

 He mentored young men in local schools who were struggling with behaviour, helping them see their potential and change their paths.

Sport has been another defining force in his life as a multi sports player he earned a bronze in the English ABA Championships, losing only to David Price—who would go on to become an Olympic medallist and European heavyweight contender.

Price later described him as his toughest opponent, a testament to his grit and heart.

The most powerful part of his story is his commitment to charity.

What began as a small effort to raise money for the families of officers lost in the 9/11 attacks grew into a lifetime of fundraising. Over the years, he has helped raise over £500,000 for causes including Cancer charities, Mencap, bereavement support for parents, and families of children with life‑limiting illnesses.

His work has touched countless lives.

His dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal, one of the highest honours in British policing for his service to policing and the community.

He has also become a familiar voice and face in the media, appearing on BBC Radio, LBC, Sky News national newspapers and on two series of BBC1’s The Moment of Proof.

Mel is a Ground Hunter on the popular Channel 4 series Hunted and Celebrity Hunted.

At his core, Mel is someone who believes in people, believes in their potential, their dignity, and their ability to change.

Whether he’s training officers, mentoring young people, raising money for families in need, or taking fitness session, he brings the same values: courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to making a difference.