Cyclists ride in memory of North Yorkshire Police officer
Fundraising event nears £100k milestone in support of mental health and emergency services
Cyclists from across Yorkshire will take to the roads today (Saturday, 19 July) for the seventh annual Tour de Aky — a cycling event held in memory of North Yorkshire Police Dog Handler PC 1066 Mick ‘Aky’ Atkinson, who tragically died by suicide in 2018.
This year, the event is expected to push the total raised to over £100,000, supporting mental health charities and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Around 90 riders are set to take part, including serving and retired officers, Aky’s friends and family, and supporters from the broader policing and emergency services community. Participants will cycle 106.6 miles — a nod to Aky’s collar number — beginning and ending in his hometown of Leeds, passing locations significant to his life including Elland Road, Headingley Stadium, and Fulford Road Police Station.
Sergeant Olesqui who is organising the event said:
“Nothing prepares you for losing someone you love to suicide. Aky was a larger-than-life character who made everyone smile.
“We never imagined the Tour de Aky would become what it is today. Reaching the £100,000 milestone would be a huge achievement. Every pound raised helps support mental health services and keeps the air ambulance flying — Aky would be incredibly proud.”
The ride also pays tribute to other emergency services colleagues lost to suicide, continuing its mission to break stigma, encourage open conversation, and improve access to life-saving support.