Police Unity Tour: a good luck message from Federation

24 July 2024

'It's a challenging event but knowing you are honouring fallen colleagues makes it worth it', says the chair of West Mercia Police Federation as he throws his support behind those taking part in this year's Police Unity Tour (PUT).

Participants will embark on a three-day, 180-mile bike ride on Friday (26 July) to honour officers who have died in the line of duty.

Their journey will conclude on Sunday (28 July) at the National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield, Staffordshire, where the annual Service of Remembrance will be hosted by the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.

COPS provides support for bereaved families of fallen officers, with funds raised in association with the tour going towards their mission.

The charity cares for survivor relatives in a variety of ways, including by bringing them together with other grieving families through peer support opportunities and by offering access to counselling and specialist bereavement services.

Branch chair Steve Butler, who has previously taken part in the PUT himself, said: “The tour is undoubtedly a highlight of the policing year.

"Colleagues can come together on the ride in tribute to fallen officers before joining with an even bigger group of people at the Arboretum on Sunday, where an incredibly emotional national event will take place with the service.

"Having taken part in the PUT myself, I know just how challenging it can be but knowing you're honouring fallen colleagues makes putting in those miles absolutely worth it."

Arboretum

During the ride, each West Mercia cyclist traditionally sports a wristband inscribed with the name of a fallen officer. At the end of the tour, these wristbands are passed on to the respective families of these officers.

“It's important for the loved ones of fallen officers to know that they will always be part of the police family. The memorial service does just that - it ensures loved ones know they are never on their own," continued Steve.

The tour has been held for each of the last 12 years in support of COPS and is completed by police staff and supporters from across the country.

It first started in 1997 as a low-key fundraiser and has now turned into a major international event and a key date on the policing calendar.

"I know the tour has a different meaning for every rider taking part, and I know the weekend will be full of all sorts of emotions," Steve said, adding: "On behalf of West Mercia Police Federation, I’d like to send our best wishes all of our riders this year. I know they will do us proud,”

Team West Mercia will depart for day one of the PUT from Force Headquarters on Friday, arriving at the Arboretum on Sunday.

Federation members can help the team by visiting their JustGiving page.