Police Unity Tour: PC to be honoured 20 years on from death

31 July 2025

Suffolk Constabulary officer Cheryl Lloyd is set to be remembered 20 years on from her death at the 2025 Police Unity Tour (PUT).

PC Cheryl was on shift responding to an urgent call when she was killed in a road traffic collision on 18 June 2005. She was 42.

In the two decades that have passed since this tragic incident, Cheryl has routinely been honoured by various participants in the PUT – an annual bike ride completed by members of the police family in memory of officers who have died in the line of duty.

This year, the PUT – which also raises money for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity – will begin on Friday (1 August) and end on Sunday (3 August) with a memorial service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.

 

PC Cheryl Lloyd is set to be remembered 20 years on from her death.

 

Among the cyclists gearing up for the weekend is civilian rider Martin Presland, who will be riding in honour of Cheryl.

In traditional PUT style, he will wear a wristband engraved with Cheryl’s name and meet her surviving family members along the course of the chapter’s journey to Staffordshire.

“This will be my eighth year on the ride and my seventh riding for Cheryl. I first got involved because I used to work for Police Mutual, who sponsor the wristbands,” said Martin, who will be riding as part of the Metropolitan Police Service chapter.

“I first got involved because I used to work for Police Mutual, which sponsors the wristbands.

Event

“Three colleagues and I decided we wanted to be part of an event which sounded rather special, and I’m so glad we picked up that initial interest in it.

“As I discovered more, I was also touched by Cheryl’s individual story, so I asked one of the chapter leads at the time, Sergeant Phil Barrett, if I could cycle in her memory.

“From there, I’ve participated most years and I’m still loving everything I’m putting in and getting out of the Tour.”

 

Civilian rider Martin Presland.

 

Despite not knowing Cheryl personally, Martin says he has learnt plenty about her from loved ones such as her sister, Sue Brace MBE.

“I know she was very proud to be a police officer, and that she always wanted to do her best to help people,” he continued.

“In that sense, she seemed like the ideal person for the job. Beyond that, she sounded like a really lovely person, who is missed by so many now, 20 years on, as much as ever.”

Lovely person

Since joining the PUT, Martin adds he has met some ‘friends for life’.

But what keeps him coming back for more, above all else, however, is the opportunity to be inspired by both survivors and the cause supporting them.

“For me, they [survivors] are the ones who deserve all the respect and applause. Their strength to keep going after having a loved one taken away from them in the cruellest of circumstances is unbelievable," he continued. 

“By meeting these people, you almost get to see the work of COPS in action, because they have been empowered by this charity to turn up proudly and honour their heroes in the police.”

Fundraising

Now working for a road construction company, Martin expressed his gratitude to his current employer for matching his yearly fundraising totals around the PUT.

He has now raised more than £5,500 across his eight entries into the event.

Federation members can donate to the 55-year-old through his JustGiving page, with all money going directly to COPS.

“I’m quite lucky with the help I receive with my fundraisers, and I’m proud of every penny I’m able to pass on to an incredible charity, so I’d like to thank anyone who has ever supported me with donations,” he said. 

“I’m feeling ready for another challenging few days in the saddle, and as privileged as always to be doing it all in memory of Cheryl and the many more officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for policing.”

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