A mother-of-three who works by day as a biomedical scientist will be keeping Bolton's streets safe by night after becoming a special constable.
Lily Li-Yong grew up in Manchester and has spent the last seven years working as a biomedical scientist at Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust. She recently received her specialist status in biochemistry and in her spare-time delivers inspirational talks and workshops on biomedical science in primary schools and at children clubs.
Lily is one of 17 new special constables, who were welcomed to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) during an attestation ceremony at the Sedgley Park training complex in Prestwich .
Along with the other new recruits, Lily was joined by her family and friends, as well as GMP Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison, Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mike Walmsley and officiating magistrate Stephen Paine.
Special constables are trained volunteers that work alongside and support GMP officers to tackle crime in our communities. All Special Constables share the same powers as regular officers, including the power of arrest. As part of the role, the recruits are required to give at least four hours a week of their free time.
Yesterday's ceremony marked the end of their five-month training programme and the start of their volunteer role.
Despite becoming a scientist, being in the police was Lily's childhood dream and she's hoping her new volunteering role will inspire her three children to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.
