Branch secretary reflects on ‘emotional’ Police Unity Tour as ride closes with COPS Service of Remembrance

12 August 2026

Federation secretary Phil Stephenson has paid tribute to the Police Unity Tour (PUT) for honouring the lives of officers who have died on duty after the 2026 event was rounded off with the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Service of Remembrance.

Taking place from Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August, the PUT saw participants from across the country take on a three-day bike ride in memory of fallen officers and to raise money for COPS, a charity supporting the families left behind by these late individuals.

While starting points are different for each chapter within the event, every cyclist’s journey ends the same at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where the annual Service of Remembrance is observed.

Thousands attended the service on Sunday, including Phil after a busy weekend with the North East Chapter of the UK Police Unity Tour as part of its support staff.

 

(Right to left) Sergeant Sam Oliver, former Inspector Lee Morris, former
Sergeant Pete Tate, branch secretary Phil Stephenson, PC Phil Skevington

 

Speaking at the arboretum, he said: “The last few days have been tiring but very enjoyable.

“It’s been fantastic to see all the cyclists working hard, supporting each other and coming together as a team – a bunch of people, some of whom didn’t know each other at the start, are now really good friends.

“The PUT is always so important for policing. It’s our chance to do something for the colleagues no longer with us, and to be involved in it is a privilege.

“I think over the last few years, it’s become more and more well known, and that’s been apparent when we’ve stopped at various stations on the way down [to Staffordshire], where people have come out to support us and say thank-you for what we’ve been doing.”

Riders

In a role he has performed in previous years, Phil assisted the chapter by driving behind the riders and ensuring they kept safe on the road, particularly during busy periods of traffic.

He was joined in these duties by retired Inspector Lee Morris and says he was once again able to witness first-hand the togetherness of the team cycling in front of him.

“The PUT is also very important for keeping that police family together, as well as helping to make sure everyone who needs them has access to the services of COPS,” Phil added.

“It’s important that we stand in solidarity with these families, because their loved one was once a colleague who stood alongside us in this profession. They should continue to feel included, supported and remembered by us, even after their family member has died.

 

Branch secretary Phil Stevenson

 

“This event gives us an opportunity to show them that they remain part of our police family.”

Phil went on to discuss the emotions involved in the Service of Remembrance and ‘hearing from these survivors and what happened to their loved ones’, adding: “I’m pleased I had my sunglasses on, because I needed them - everyone gets a little bit emotional throughout the service. 

“It’s a time when you pause and really reflect on the sacrifices made by these officers, and you can’t help but be moved by the occasion.”

After all the chapters within the PUT reached the Arboretum, travelling into the grounds as one large peloton, the service got underway, being opened by COPS president Gill Marshall.

Line of duty

Following this came a reading from Katie Hull, the daughter of Hertfordshire Police Constable Ronald Hull, who was killed by a speeding car on this day in 1989.

Joanne Woodward, sister of South Wales Police Sergeant Mark Woodward, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2002, also shared her story. 

The Roll of Honour was then read out, featuring the names of all officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year:

Later in the service, a a minute’s silence was conducted and wreaths were laid from the Office of the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, the High Sheriff’s Office, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing, the Blue Knights, the Police Unity Tour, the National Memorial Arboretum and COPS.

A final reading was delivered by Ella Dent, the stepdaughter of Metropolitan Police Constable Chris Dent, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2009.

Attendees then heard music performed by the West Midlands Police Brass Band and West Midlands Superintendent Sam Batey.

Chief Constable Sir John Robins QPM DL, from the COPS Chair of Trustees, closed the service. Families and guests then made their way to The Beat, an avenue of trees dedicated to individual forces and officers, to lay wreaths and single red roses.

READ MORE: Team prepares to set off for Police Unity Tour.