Branch secretary reflects on 'emotional' Police Unity Tour

31 July 2024

Nottinghamshire Police Federation secretary Tom Hill says the challenge posed by the 180-mile Police Unity Tour (PUT) was nothing compared to those faced by the families of fallen officers.

Tom took part in the PUT for the first time this year, joining officers from across England and Wales to honour those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, to support their loved ones, and to raise awareness and funds for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.

“When you finish the ride and you see everyone at the National Arboretum it’s really emotional,” he said.

“You have survivors coming up to you and thanking you for doing it, that it means so much to them, and that brings it all home to you – it’s emotional.

Poignant

“They were really grateful for us for doing it and really appreciated the efforts.”

It was a poignant event for Nottinghamshire Police being the first since the death of Sergeant Graham Saville. Nottinghamshire Police colleagues PC Ashleigh Metcalf and PC Scott Redgate were also in the team’s thoughts.

Tom said: “Sitting on a saddle for a couple of days is nothing compared to the pain survivors, families and loved ones felt and continue to feel, and it puts it all into perspective.”

The Nottinghamshire Police contingent was made up of 28 cyclists, including Chief Constable Kate Meynell.

They were joined in the East Midlands chapter by colleagues from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and, for the first time, from Lincolnshire.

Among the 71 riders in the East Midlands chapter was Chief Constable Rob Nixon, of Leicestershire Police, and Chief Constable Paul Gibson, of Lincolnshire Police.

The Nottinghamshire ride started at Force headquarters on Friday morning and headed to Newark.

Memorial service

After 46 miles, it returned to HQ to meet the three other East Midlands forces for lunch and a memorial service at which CC Meynell laid a wreath on behalf of the Force and branch chair Simon Riley laid one on behalf of the Federation.

Tom said: “Riding into the stations and being welcomed was one of the highlights.

“And we had a really good turn-out for the send-off at our headquarters on Friday.”

The chapter made its way to Leicestershire for the end of day one.

Each rider cycles in memory of an officer. They are given a metal wrist band with the officer’s name on it, date of birth, the force they were from and the date on which they died.

On day two of the ride,  police chapters from across the UK meet up at the Snow Dome in Tamworth.

Fallen officers

They then cycle to Drayton Manor together to meet the bereaved families of fallen officers who are there as part of the COPS survivor weekend event.

It’s here the riders get to meet the families and present their band to the family of their officer.

A Service of remembrance is then held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where the ride finishes Sunday morning.

“It was a really good event,” said Tom. “And the weather was kind to us.”

“The COPS charity is fantastic and does amazing work for survivors and their families.”

Tom added: “The families describe it as a club that nobody wants to be part of, but if the worst thing imaginable does ever happen, you know there are people who have been through the same experience and are there to help you along the journey. ”

There is still chance to sponsor the East Midlands chapter.

READ MORE: Sergeant remembered at COPS service.