Pedal power helps COPS charity

20 May 2022

A Suffolk Police Federation member is coming to the end of an extraordinary 825-mile bike challenge to raise money for the Care Of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.

Detective Inspector Jim Fincham, currently on secondment with Bedfordshire Police, is cycling the Great North Trail which runs from the Pennines to the northern tip of mainland Scotland. He is completing the challenge self-supported and carrying his camping kit himself.

He is expected to finish the ride on Sunday after around three weeks in the saddle.

Jim said: “The idea came to me two years ago, but then Covid hit and during my training for the cycle I managed to break my leg in two places.

“But now it’s finally happening. Luckily, a colleague who recently retired was looking for a challenge too, so I persuaded him to do it with me.

“Both of us are pushing 50, so we’re not spring chickens anymore! And our demanding jobs have made training hard.

“The other thing is the kit we’re carrying makes the bikes so heavy, probably an extra 20kg on the bike.”

Jim said he was determined to complete the ride and raise money for COPS and has already raised £1,750 towards his £2,000 target. 

He said: “COPS is such a worthwhile charity. Unfortunately, I’ve lost colleagues… so I know first-hand the amazing work they do.”

COPS provides peer support opportunities and access to counselling services to help surviving family members rebuild their shattered lives.

Since its foundation in 2003, COPS has helped hundreds of police families devastated by the loss of a loved one who died on duty.

People can make a donation via Jim’s fundraising page and follow his progress on his Jimsgreatnorthtrail Instagram page.