A group of officers and police staff from North Wales Police are preparing to get in the saddle as they take part in the COPS Unity Tour, raising money for charity whilst paying tribute to fallen police officers and police staff.
The challenging ride will see the team cover approximately 180 miles as they travel from Aberystwyth to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire over the course of three days.
Since its foundation in 2003 Care of Police Survivors (COPS) has helped hundreds of police families devastated by the loss of a loved one who died on duty. They aim to ensure that survivors have all the help they need to cope with such a tragedy, and that they remain part of the police family as they rebuild their lives.
The Police Unity Tour began in the UK in 2013 based on a similar event in the United States.
The Welsh Chapter will include officers and staff from the four Welsh police forces who will join various police forces from across the UK where the tour culminates at the National Memorial Arboretum for a special service on the Sunday.
Each rider will also be wearing a wristband commemorating a police colleague killed in the line of duty which they will all carry over the finish line.
Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn, who is taking part for the 8th time said: “Taking part in the Police Unity Tour is much more than completing a challenging ride. It’s an opportunity to honour the memory of colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice and to show that they, and their families, will never be forgotten.
“I’m proud to ride alongside colleagues from across the UK as we raise awareness and vital funds for a charity that continues to stand by police families when they need it the most.”
Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman KPM said: “Care of Police Survivors is a charity that holds a very special place within the policing family, and one that is particularly close to my heart. The support it provides to families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty is invaluable and helps ensure they continue to feel part of the police family during the most difficult of times.
“The Police Unity Tour is a fitting tribute to those officers and staff who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also raising awareness and funds for a cause that makes such a real difference. I am proud to be supporting the Welsh Chapter this year and wish everyone taking part a safe and successful journey to the National Memorial Arboretum.
“Thank you to all those who have donated and helped support the team. Your generosity will help COPS continue its vital work for police families across the UK.”
So far, over £1,000 has been raised thanks to kind donations, including from the vendors who attended the North Wales Police Open Day back in May. Donations – big or small, can still be donated via the team’s official Just Giving page: North Wales Police is fundraising for Care of Police Survivors
Throughout the weekend, the team will be supported by the North Wales Police Welfare Van. North Wales Police would also like to thank the organisations that have generously donated food and refreshments to support those taking part, including Village Bakery, Tesco, Morrisons and the North Wales Police Group Insurance Scheme.
Further information regarding the tour is available via the website https://ukpoliceunitytour.org/
Find out more about the COPS charity via Care of Police Survivors – Support for Bereaved Families | COPS UK (ukcops.org)
Itinerary:
Day 1: Thursday, 6th August
- The four Welsh forces will travel and meet in Aberystwyth – approx. 95 miles for those travelling from Police Headquarters in Colwyn Bay
Day 2: Friday 7th August (official start of the Unity Tour)
- The Welsh chapter will travel from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury
Day 3: Saturday 8th August
- Travel from Shrewsbury to Sutton Coldfield
Day 4: Sunday 9th August
- Travel from Sutton Coldfield to the National Memorial Arboretum in Burton Upon Trent
