North Wales officers ride 180 miles in memory of fallen colleagues

9 October 2026

North Wales Police officers cycled around 180 miles in memory of fallen colleagues last month (September) to raise vital funds for families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

Members of North Wales Police Federation took part in this year’s annual Police Unity Tour, joining officers and supporters from across England and Wales in support of Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

The challenge began at HQ in Colwyn Bay, before the team headed to Aberystwyth. From there, they cycled into Shropshire before continuing to Tamworth in Staffordshire on day three.

The North Wales Police and Welsh chapter riders then joined fellow cyclists for the ride into Drayton Manor, where they were met by the families and loved ones of fallen officers attending the annual COPS Survivors’ Weekend.

The tour culminated at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday, where riders took part in the COPS Service of Remembrance.

 

Members of North Wales Police Federation took part in this year’s annual Police Unity Tour

 

For those taking part, the Police Unity Tour is about much more than the physical challenge.

Each cyclist and support member wears a wristband engraved with the name of a fallen colleague throughout the tour, then presents it to their loved ones at the end.

For Inspector Mike Andrew, taking part in the tour for the fourth time has a particularly personal significance.

Mike previously served with Norfolk Police and chose to wear the wristband of Detective Constable Terence Glister, who died on duty in 1987.

Police Unity Tour

Although Mike never knew DC Glister personally, he remains connected to his family through the Police Unity Tour.

“I used to be in Norfolk Police before I came here, and one of my mates, who I still keep in touch with, his father, DC Terence Glister, died on duty in 1987 before I knew him,” he said.

“I always ask if I can wear his wristband, which I have for the last few years.”

On one occasion, Mike handed the wristband directly to DC Glister’s family.

“The other year, his daughter and his wife came up, and I handed it over to them,” he said.

Families and supporters

For Mike, it is moments like that which demonstrate why the tour matters.

After hundreds of miles in the saddle, riders arrive at the National Memorial Arboretum to be welcomed by families and supporters lining the route.

“When you arrive at the arboretum, the families and dignitaries are lining the road and clapping you in,” Mike said.

“It's quite emotional when you get there and has quite a big impact.

“And then you hear the speeches at the arboretum and you know how important the support of COPS is.”

Care of Police Survivors

The charity provides long-term support to families who have lost a police officer or staff member through death on duty, helping them remain part of the policing family during what can be an incredibly difficult time.

North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman KPM, who attended the COPS service said the event had a special place within policing and praised everyone who had supported the North Wales team.

“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,” she said.

“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.

Ultimate sacrifice

“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.

“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.”

The Police Unity Tour brings together officers from across the country in a show of solidarity with the families of fallen colleagues.

For the North Wales riders, the 180-mile journey was therefore both a physical challenge and an opportunity to carry the names and memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Donations to support the North Wales Police team and COPS can still be made via the North Wales Police Unity Tour fundraising page.

READ MORE: Autumn edition of Fed magazine out now.