Fed rep pays tribute to ‘beautiful’ arboretum service as Police Unity Tour comes to a close

12 August 2026

Taking place at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, the annual service traditionally goes hand-in-hand with the final stages of the PUT – a three-day bike ride cycled in memory of fallen officers and in support of their bereaved families by fundraising for COPS.

This enables riders from across the country to travel into their end destination of the arboretum in a show of togetherness before the service is observed.

As in previous years, those taking part from North Yorkshire Police joined up with the event’s North East Chapter of the UK Police Unity Tour including Federation representative Josh Snaith.

Federation representative Josh Snaith (third from right) joined by North
Yorkshire Police's 2026 Police Unity Tour contingent at The Beat in the
National Memorial Arboretum

Despite a last-minute change of plans to his involvement this year, experienced PUT rider Josh says the ride still delivered on its usual significance.

“I was all set to cycle in my fifth PUT, but about a week before it began, I had to switch over to the chapter’s support crew due to an injury,” he explained.

“This was a bit of a different experience for me, and there were points I missed being part of the cycling, but still a very enjoyable one all the same.

Riders

“The support crew is vital to what we do in the PUT. Without it, the chapter would lack the right organisation and planning to complete the journey.

“Plus, whatever role you’re doing, the event still has the same purpose for everyone – to raise important money for COPS and to remember the colleagues who once stood with us in this profession.”

On Friday 7 August, the chapter began their trail to Staffordshire from Humberside Police headquarters in Hull.

And two days later on Sunday 9 August, the team – which also includes participants from Cleveland, Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland police forces – joined hundreds of other riders in reaching the arboretum.

“The service was beautiful, and a fitting tribute to the officers no longer with us. It was especially touching for the Northumbria riders in our chapter, who recently lost PC Jess Turnbull, just like it was last year for us after we lost PC Rosie Prior,” Josh added.

Officers

“As service hosts, COPS always manages to do things so well. It is the only charity I know that not only supports officers themselves, but their legacies and what they leave behind.

“A cause like that is crucial for the loved ones of fallen officers as they adapt to life without them and continue to grieve in the years after.”

Following the arrival of the PUT procession at the arboretum, the Service of Remembrance got underway, being opened by COPS president Gill Marshall.

After 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.

Line of duty

The Roll of Honour was then read out, featuring the names of all officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since last year’s service:

Police Constable Marcus Bennett, of Civil Nuclear Constabulary, who died on 30 January 2025
Police Constable Francis Hawkins, of Metropolitan Police, who died on 11 February 2025
Police Constable Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, who died on 21 June 2025
Police Constable Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police, who died on 26 September 2025
Police Constable Mathew Parker, of Essex Police, who died on 19 November 2025
Police Constable Bradley Corke, of Kent Police, who died on 21 March 2026
Police Constable Mark Chester, of Ministry of Defence Police, who died on 2 May 2026
Police Constable Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, who died on 10 June 2026
Police Constable Alice Slominska, of Bedfordshire Police, who died on 17 July 2026.

A minute’s silence was also observed before wreaths were laid for 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.

The final reading of the service 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.