Family of hero Scots cop with cancer who shunned hospice treatment to stay at home with kids given award in honour of 'dedicated' loved one

The wife and grandmother of Inspector Chris Mutter, who passed away in June following an eight-month battle with oesophageal cancer, were presented with a Certificate of Service award by Police Scotland.

A Scots cop who lost his brave battle with cancer has been honoured by Police Scotland for his dedicated service.

Inspector Chris Mutter, from Dunfermline, Fife, tragically passed away on June 29 after an eight-month fight against oesophageal cancer.

Despite receiving gruelling treatment for his illness, the 34-year-old still managed to be promoted up the ranks - a move which made his entire family “incredibly proud”.

Chris, who was suffering from acid reflux before being diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer, has now been honoured posthumously by the force.

A Certificate of Service was presented to his brave wife Maxine and his grandmother during a ceremony in Glenrothes earlier this month.

Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Derek McEwan and Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale hailed the brave cop for his service to Fife Constabulary and Police Scotland.

Mum-of-two Maxine previously told how her loving husband had shunned hospice treatment so he could spend more time with their two young children Eden and Ethan.

She said: “He was fit and healthy so it was an absolute shock when we got that diagnosis.

“Chris wanted to stay at home, especially because of the complications of Covid, so I helped nurse him.

“Even when things got really tough, Chris said, ‘I would go into a hospice if you want,’ but I said no – it would have broken my heart to see him in a hospice.

“We wanted to keep it normal so we always ate in the bedroom, we always spoke, even if Chris was asleep, with the kids running in and out.

“He was very scared – for such a strong man he was very vulnerable. It was horrible. He was always propping up and supporting me, he was such a lovely man.”

Maxine, a support worker at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, met her soulmate whilst he was on duty outside Styx nightclub in Glenrothes when they were 18.

They soon fell in love and welcomed their two children into the world.

She added: “He was such a good officer, husband, dad – and all that has been stolen.”

Paying tribute at the time of his death, a spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Today we bid a fond farewell to our dear friend and colleague Chris Mutter who died on Monday, 29 June, 2020 following a period of illness.

“His death is a great loss to all who knew and worked with him.

“Chris had such a passion for policing and in November 2019, whilst receiving treatment, Chris was promoted to Inspector by the Chief Constable, a moment which made Chris and his entire family incredibly proud.

“Chris delivered so much for the communities of Fife, and had such a bright future ahead of him within Police Scotland.

“He will not be forgotten and his friends and colleagues will pay their respects to him today in their own way.

“Chris is survived by his wife Maxine and his two children, Ethan (3) and Eden (1) who are immensely proud of all that Chris achieved but also the messages of support they have received from his many colleagues who so clearly respected him.

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“All our thoughts are with Maxine and the kids at this time.”