Police Unity Tour incredibly emotional, says branch secretary
30 July 2025
The PUT honours those officers who have died in the line of duty and raises money for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.
This year’s tour kicks off on Friday (1 August) and will finish on Sunday (3 August), when riders from Nottinghamshire Police will be cycling in memory of Christopher McDonald, Ged Walker and Graham Saville, who all died on duty, as well as other colleagues who have tragically died in service.
Tom is taking part in his second tour after completing it for the first time last year.
East Midlands chapter 2024.
He said: “The Police Unity Tour brings the policing family together and shows the service at its finest.
“It is an incredibly emotional occasion riding in memory of fallen colleagues, particularly when you finish the ride and see their loved ones.
“It means a lot to so many people and it really brings home the sacrifice that has been made by so many.
“The ride also supports the COPS charity, which does such amazing work for the families of fallen officers.”
Force HQ
The Nottinghamshire Police contingent will set off from Force headquarters on the Friday morning.
They will be joined in the East Midlands chapter by colleagues from Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire.
On Saturday, police chapters from across the UK meet up at the Snow Dome in Tamworth. They then cycle to Drayton Manor together to meet the bereaved families of fallen officers who will be there as part of the COPS survivor weekend event.
A service of remembrance is held at the National Memorial Arboretum, where the ride finishes on Sunday morning.
Emotional
Superintendent Paul Lefford is the Nottinghamshire lead for the PUT. He said: “The PUT is a physical experience because it's challenging over three days, but it’s an emotional experience too,” he said.
“Especially when you pull into Drayton Manor, where you meet all the families
“Then to be at the final service ceremony on the Sunday, with all 43 forces there, to pay our respects and to listen to the families of the fallen officers, it’s very humbling.”
Support the East Midlands chapter via their JustGiving page.
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