Arboretum service for fallen officers marks poignant end to 2026 Police Unity Tour

11 August 2026

Branch secretary Tom Hill was one of hundreds of Police Unity Tour (PUT) cyclists who rode into the National Memorial Arboretum yesterday (Sunday 9 August) before attending this year’s Service of Remembrance for officers who have died on duty.

The annual service is organised by the Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which supports the families left behind by fallen officers with help such as financial assistance and grief counselling.

These survivors were among those present at the arboretum in Staffordshire, and they were joined by PUT participants from across the country on the final leg of their charity bike rides.

The Nottinghamshire Police Unity Tour ride team at the National Memorial Arboretum

Part of the Nottinghamshire Police team, Tom was part of the East Midlands chapter of the event, which also included the forces of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.

Tom said: “The relationship between the PUT and this annual service remains as strong as ever. The service always marks the closing of the PUT, which itself takes place to raise money and awareness for the service organisers, COPS.

“As always, it was an honour to be involved and to throw myself into a few days dedicated to the memories of our late colleagues.

Ultimate sacrifice

“It’s so important that the policing calendar includes an opportunity for us to remember these officers, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our profession and public safety.

“Thanks to the lovely weather we had, the arboretum looked beautiful as we rode into it, and this was followed by an equally beautiful service, which is always delivered so well and with such great care and dignity.”

The East Midlands chapter embarked on their 2026 PUT journey Friday morning (7 August), going on to complete 180 miles of cycling over the next three days.

After the riders had reached the arboretum as their end destination, the Service of Remembrance got underway, being opened by COPS president Gill Marshall. 

A reading then followed from Katie Hull, the daughter of Hertfordshire Police Constable Ronald Hull, who was killed by a speeding car on this day in 1989.

Roll of Honour

Joanne Woodward, sister of South Wales Police Sergeant Mark Woodward, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2002, also shared her story. 

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.

READ MORE: Branch secretary prepares for third Police Unity Tour.