Police cycle to remember fallen colleagues

Cyclists in the policing family have embarked on a stellar 180-mile bike ride to remember fallen colleagues.

Today (Friday 28 July 2023), the Police Unity Tour was welcomed to the Joint Police and Fire Headquarters in Ripley.

Officers and staff from Headquarters lined the roads to welcome the 40 cyclists, including 10 from Derbyshire, as they arrived, and a short service took place in the remembrance garden, led by Lead Chaplain Ami-Adessa Lindo.

The tour, which takes place annually, raises funds for Care of Police Survivors (COPS). The riders on the East Midlands chapter take in the sights of Derbyshire, as well as Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

On Sunday (30 July), the ride culminates in officers from around the country coming together for a memorial service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

COPS provides ongoing support to bereaved loved ones of fallen police officers who have passed away whilst on duty. The support COPS offers families in their time of need is outstanding, and the Unity Tour itself is a very moving event.

Wreaths were laid at the Derbyshire memorial by representatives from Derbyshire Constabulary, Police Federation, Police and Crime Commissioner and Police Superintendents’ Association.

We wish the best of luck to the riders as they continue their journey, full details of the Police Unity Tour can be found on their website.