Branch secretary set to support Police Unity Tour riders

22 June 2026

Durham Police Federation secretary Phil Stephenson says it’s ‘vitally important’ to remember and honour fallen officers as he prepares for this year’s Police Unity Tour.

Phil and recently retired Inspector Lee Morris will form part of the support crew for the Durham cyclists and the wider North East Chapter.

They will be responsible for keeping riders and their bikes on the road throughout the three-day tour.

Phil said: “We've supported the tour for quite a few years now.

"Our role is to follow the peloton alongside the police motorcycle and National Escort Group riders.

 

The Durham team taking part in a recent Police Unity Tour.

 

“We're there to support the riders. It could be mechanical issues or any breakdowns, the welfare of the riders, handing out water and drinks, and anything that’s needed."

Phil said the support vehicle carries most things needed to keep the cyclists moving, from tools and puncture repair kits to replacement parts.

He said: “We can do the basic repairs and get people back on the road quickly.

“If there’s anything majorly complicated then we’ll have to get them to a bike shop.

“The cyclists are usually quite savvy with their bikes as well.”

Police Unity Tour

The Police Unity Tour brings together police officers and staff from across the country to ensure the sacrifice of fallen officers is never forgotten.

It also raised funds for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), the charity that supports the families of officers who have died on duty.

Phil said: “It's vitally important we remember the service and the sacrifice of our fallen colleagues, and we continue to support those loved ones left behind.

"It keeps that link between a workforce that is getting younger and those officers who died doing the job that we all still do today. We see it as a big responsibility.

Poignant

"The event is always poignant, and this year it will undoubtedly mean a great deal following the tragic death of PC Jess Turnbull in the neighbouring force of Northumbria Police.

"It is expected to be an emotional ride for colleagues from Northumbria, but the wider team - and all those taking part in this year’s ride - will be there to support them throughout the two days."

Riders from Durham Police will cycle alongside colleagues from North Yorkshire, Northumbria, Humberside, and Cleveland Police as part of the North East Chapter.

An unofficial ‘Day 0’ ride takes place on 6 August, covering an additional 100 miles from Cleveland Police Headquarters to Hull to ensure the tour passes through every force area.

The tour begins properly early on 7 August in Hull, with a 100-mile ride to Worksop.

Fallen officers

On day two, riders will cover around 80 miles to Tamworth and join up with around 600 cyclists from across the country for a convoy ride into Drayton Manor, where the families and loved ones of fallen officers gather for the annual COPS Survivors’ Weekend.

Each cyclist and support member wears a wristband engraved with the name of a fallen officer and carries it throughout the tour before presenting it to the officers’ loved ones at the COPS Survivors’ Weekend.

Phil said: “When you hear about the things they're doing to support partners, children and family members of officers who have lost their lives, that's when you realise just how important they are.

“When families are referred to COPS, they're dealing with people who know exactly what they've gone through.

“It’s a vital charity doing vital work.”

You can support the Durham team and the North East Chapter via the Police Unity Tour JustGiving page.

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