Police Unity Tour: Fed members all set for 2026 event

7 August 2026

Derbyshire Police Federation members are setting off on the 2026 Police Unity Tour (PUT) today (Friday 7 August), carrying with them the memories of fallen colleagues as they take on the weekend-long charity bike ride.

A longstanding fixture in the policing calendar, the annual PUT is now in its 14th year in the UK. The event honours police officers who have died in the line of duty while raising vital awareness and funds for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.

COPS supports the families of those officers, often referred to as 'survivors', by providing counselling, financial assistance and opportunities to connect with others who understand their loss.

As part of the East Midlands chapter, 10 officers and staff from Derbyshire Constabulary will cycle 180 miles through five counties before finishing at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday (9 August).

There, they will join riders from across the country and the wider policing family for the Annual Service of Remembrance, bringing this year's Police Unity Tour to a poignant close.

Branch chair Lisa Flanagan has wished the team well as they begin day one of the challenge – traditionally the longest stage of the route. 

Police Unity Tour

"This year's Police Unity Tour is finally here, and we're incredibly proud of the members from our branch who have been preparing for this moment for many months," said Lisa, who will be attending Sunday’s service.

"It's easy to see why so many people regard it as one of the most rewarding weekends in policing. It brings officers and staff together away from the demands of the job to take on a shared challenge, support one another and, most importantly, remember the colleagues we've lost.

"It is vital that we continue to honour those who served alongside us and made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Every mile ridden and every pound raised helps ensure their legacy lives on while supporting the families they left behind. Everyone taking part deserves enormous credit, and I wish them every success and a safe, enjoyable weekend." 

Wristband

In keeping with Police Unity Tour tradition, each rider will wear a wristband engraved with the name of a fallen police officer, whether from their own force or elsewhere in the country.

This simple but powerful tribute often creates meaningful connections between riders and the families of those officers. Many survivors meet the cyclists along the route, witnessing first-hand how the memory of their loved one continues to be honoured by the policing family.

Many survivors also travel to the National Memorial Arboretum, home to the UK's official Police Memorial, to attend Sunday's Annual Service of Remembrance alongside riders from across the country. 

You can support the East Midlands chapter of the 2026 Police Unity Tour by visiting their GoFundMe page.

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