Running for Rosie: Bed race captain looks back on ‘inspirational’ day

26 June 2025

Inspector Holly Nicholls led a group of officers at the bed race this month (June) in efforts to raise money for The Police Children’s Charity (TPCC) as a tribute to the late PC Rosie Prior.

Runners of mixed fitness abilities from a neighbourhood policing unit made up the team, Holly explained, to keep the emphasis on fun rather than competition.

And they managed to do the Force, TPCC and Rosie proud, fulfilling their aim to cross the finish line together as one.

Holly, who was born and raised in Harrogate and grew up watching the bed race, said: “It was a fantastic experience all-round. Seeing the town come together for the event they’re renowned for is always something special, but to actually be involved for the first time was a real privilege.

“I enjoyed every minute of it – there were some challenging moments, but we knew from our training it was never going to be easy. The main thing was we stuck together and didn’t leave anyone behind, which is what we had all set out to do.

“And we really pushed ourselves to our limits, so I’m immensely proud of the team.

“Of course, I knew what the crowd was like at the bed race from being part of it myself over the years, and I can now say the energy and enthusiasm really does help you as a participant.

Rosie's family

“It was a day marked by inspirational people, both in terms of who you’re surrounded by and who you remember and do it for.”

The 39-year-old paid tribute to Rosie, who died in January this year, and the impact she left behind in the Force.

TPCC also came in for praise for its support of Rosie’s family. Through its services, her two sons have received financial and wellbeing support as they adjust to life-changing circumstances.

“Rosie was a fantastic person and police officer, and she is missed by so many. Her husband, children, and mum were there watching the bed race, and I certainly hope we did them proud. It was an absolute privilege to run in her memory.

“We had her collar number on our team kit, which was a police vest also with a thin blue line and our North Yorkshire insignia on.

“I think raising money for TPCC was a great way to honour her legacy. Nothing will ever make up for the fact she’s gone, but I’ve got no doubt her sons will be helped a lot by the charity as the years go on.

“And your donations will allow this incredible work to continue for the benefit of other families too, so I would like to thank all my police colleagues who have been so generous with their support.”

You can still donate to the team by visiting their JustGiving page.

Runners

Meanwhile, another cause supported at the bed race was the Police Treatment Centres (PTC), which had a dedicated team of runners itself.

The PTC provides police-specific care to both serving and retired officers for injury and illness, ranging from physiotherapy to counselling.

In February, Holly enjoyed a two-week residential stay at the PTC’s Harrogate branch to receive treatment for psoriatic arthritis, which she was diagnosed with in 2018.

The condition causes her biomechanical difficulties and makes it harder to recover from intense exercise.

“To put it simply, I wouldn’t have been able to do the bed race without the PTC,” Holly added.

“Over the two weeks, I benefitted from one-to-one rheumatology physio, heat therapy, hydrotherapy, yoga and Pilates, and the facilities and staff were absolutely amazing.

“Apart from the physical treatment, what really helped me was getting a true understanding of my condition and the way it works – no one had properly sat me down and explained it before.

“It was a real learning journey. The knowledge and advice I came away with on how to train and look after my body best has been very valuable.

“I would strongly encourage Federation members to sign up for the PTC if you aren’t already. For police, the care is really second-to-none, and you never know when you might need it.”