‘No fallen officer will ever be forgotten’: 2026 Police Unity Tour around corner

5 August 2026

The lead of Northamptonshire’s Police Unity Tour (PUT) chapter says the team are ready for a poignant edition of the event this year following recent losses in the Force.

The annual PUT is around the corner once again and is set to be held in the UK for the 14th time from Friday (7 August) to Sunday (9 August).

As always, the weekend-long bike ride will commemorate officers who have died in the line of duty, while raising money and awareness for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) – a charity which closely supports the families of these fallen individuals.

Survivors themselves can cycle in the PUT, alongside both serving and retired police officers and staff.

 

The Northamptonshire team at last year's event

 

With 24 riders plus 10 support staff signed up this year, the Northamptonshire chapter is gearing up to take on a familiar 200-mile route which begins at Force headquarters and ends at the National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Ahead of the event, long-time participant Temporary Inspector Simon Randall said: “This will be our fifth year as a chapter, and our third year as a completely independent entry into the PUT.

“With each edition, there seems to be more enthusiasm than ever for the ride, and we have another good number of people involved this time around.

“And while it is always a very emotional few days, this year takes on some added significance for us because of the officers we have lost in Northamptonshire in recent times.

Tragic loss

“Last September, PC Faizaan Najeeb died in a road traffic collision while on duty, and this was a tragic loss that still feels raw and difficult to come to terms with for many.

“Faizaan was only 24 and had his whole career and life ahead of him. He will be in our hearts over the weekend, as will his family and friends.

“Although his death was slightly further back and off duty, we will also be remembering PC Jack Watts, who died after a battle with cancer in May 2025.

“Jack was another young officer whose death still feels very fresh to a lot of his colleagues, so this is another opportunity for them to do something in his memory.”

Jack’s wife, Charlotte, will form part of the chapter’s support crew.

“No fallen officer will ever be forgotten, because the PUT is all about keeping their memories alive, even if it’s a life lost a long time ago,” added Simon, who routinely rides in tribute to Thames Valley Police’s PC Andrew Harper.

Survivors

“Some of our retired riders ride for colleagues who died in the 1980s and 1990s – before some of our other riders were even born.

“As for the survivors, it’s a club that no one wants to belong to, but we must be there for them.

“On the Saturday, we will do our usual meet-up with a group of survivors, and this is always a very touching part of the weekend which both sides get plenty out of.

“Our chapter is one big family, and the loved ones of our fallen colleagues are very much a part of that.”

New to the PUT for 2026 is Detective Constable Eleanor Hudson, who has pledged herself to the cause after eight years in the Force.

Despite being a debutant, Eleanor is a seasoned cyclist with previous experience in challenges and trials and is raring to go for three days in the saddle.

“There was a consideration in the past, but now it definitely feels like the right time for me to join the chapter and get involved with such an amazing initiative,” Eleanor said.

Challenge

“I’m expecting it to be a good challenge, and one that will be a little different for me, because my previous efforts were never in a big peloton, nor on the road.

“I’ve bought a new road bike just for this, and I’ve enjoyed getting used to it over the last few weeks. It’s a different type of cycling, but I’m feeling very motivated to give it my all.

“Aside from that, it will be an honour to do this in tribute to the colleagues no longer with us. I think it’s important that the rest of us come together like this, because only we truly know the pressures and circumstances we are under in this job.

“When an officer dies so suddenly and unexpectedly, it’s a reminder of the level of sacrifice that is required in policing, and that should never be forgotten or taken for granted.

“While I’m sure the weekend will have its trying moments, both physically and emotionally, I’m very much looking forward to playing my part for the first time.”

A portion of the funds raised at last year’s Northamptonshire Police Federation Recognition of Bravery and Excellence in Policing Awards has been donated to COPS, with additional contributions made to the chapter to support them on their ride.

You can support the Northamptonshire chapter of the 2026 Police Unity Tour by visiting their JustGiving page.

READ MORE: Branch chair attends national Ceremony of Remembrance.