Cyclists set off for COPS fund-raiser

30 July 2021

A team of officers and staff from the West Midlands Chapter of the Police Unity Tour (PUT) were today setting off on a long distance charity bike ride to raise vital funds for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.

The annual PUT event, which is now in its ninth year, sees hundreds of riders from forces across the country take on the three-day challenge to raise cash for the organisation which supports the families of officers who have died while on duty.

The West Midlands team is led by Laura Douglas and features Lucy Sewell, Steve Butler, the West Mercia Police Federation secretary, Keith Floyd, Nikita Wright, Rachel P, Ian Carter, Thomas Stevenson, Samantha Watkins, Damian Barratt, Joy Brookes, Phill Ray and Nick Blackham.

They were seen off from Force Headquarters this morning by West Mercia Police Federation chair Sarah Cooper who said: “It was a privilege to meet with family members of fallen officers this morning and to watch these riders set off in memory of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving the public. Their dedication and service should never be forgotten and events such as this rightly serve to reflect and remember our colleagues, friends and loved ones.”

Each of the riders is wearing a wristband specifically dedicated to a fallen officer.

Team captain Laura said: “The COPS charity continues to provide excellent support and opportunities to the survivors of officers killed in the course of their duty. 

“Unfortunately, each year there are more colleagues lost and the thin blue line gets thinner. COPS does its utmost to pick up the pieces.”

Fellow rider Lucy said: “All members of the police family feel the loss of colleagues and it is really important that we support those that they leave behind.  

“This cycle ride is for all officers that have died on duty.  Charities such as COPS are really important at providing care and support to the officer's wider family and so I am delighted to be cycling with a team of colleagues from Warwickshire, West Mercia, West Midlands and Staffordshire - The West Midlands Chapter - to raise money for COPS.”

Steve said: “I want to raise money for COPS in order to support their work to help surviving families rebuild lives after the death of a police officer on duty.

“This is my third time doing this event and always feel privileged to do what will be a very moving and inspiring experience.”

The West Midlands Chapter team left HQ at 8.30am today and is scheduled to arrive at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday at 10am with hundreds of colleagues from across the country for a formal service of remembrance at the new UK Police Memorial.

The whole team is urging family, friends and colleagues to get behind them and the COPS charity by making a donation via the West Midlands Chapter PUT JustGiving page.