Police cyclists ride 200 miles for families of fallen officers
Police Unity Tour returns to support bereaved families
A team of Northamptonshire Police officers, staff and retirees are setting off today on a 200-mile cycling challenge to raise money for charity.
The force's 23 riders will leave the North Accommodation Building in Kettering and travel to Staffordshire over three days as part of the annual Northamptonshire Police Unity Tour.
The challenge raises funds for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which supports the families of police officers who have died in the line of duty.
The money raised will go towards family counselling and peer support, as well as events bringing together people who have faced similar experiences.
Around 450 cyclists from forces across the UK are expected to take part in this year's ride.
Officer Ian Rudkin, who helps organise Northamptonshire Police's Unity Tour team, said the event is not only about raising money, but also a way to honour and remember colleagues.
Speaking about the importance of supporting bereaved police families, Officer Rudkin said the impact of an officer's death was felt far beyond their immediate force.
"You don't expect your loved one to go to work one day and not come home."
"You see the devastation that it causes and the impact that it has on the police, not just locally, but nationally."
The event will also be joined by the mother and stepfather of PC Andrew Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer from Wallingford, Oxfordshire who died in 2019 after being dragged by a car as three teenagers fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Berkshire.
Officer Rudkin said the involvement of bereaved family members highlighted the tour's role in bringing together those affected by the loss of officers in the line of duty.
Throughout the challenge each cyclist will also be wearing a personalised wristband bearing the name of a fallen officer.
Rudkin said every mile will serve as a reminder of the families the charity supports.
"When the hills get tough and their legs are burning, they can look at their wrist and remember why we're doing this," he said.
The cyclists will be accompanied by support staff, motorcycle outriders and marked police vehicles throughout the challenge.
The tour will conclude on Sunday 9th August at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where cyclists will join police officers, families and supporters from across the country for a special remembrance service.
The team includes serving officers, retired officers and police staff, all of whom have volunteered their own time to take part in the challenge and raise money.
Rudkin added: "If it's a case of somebody can afford to sponsor or to donate even a little bit of money, then that all goes towards helping these families and making their lives a little bit better."
To find out more about the charity visit ukcops.org