DCC Damian Barratt to ride in memory of PC Andy Boardman as Police Unity Tour begins

7 August 2026

Deputy Chief Constable Damian Barratt will ride this year’s Police Unity Tour (PUT) in memory of West Mercia Police PC Andy Boardman, who died on duty in April 2023.

As the annual three-day charity cycle ride begins today (Friday 7 August), Damian has confirmed Andy will be the fallen officer he honours throughout the challenge by wearing the traditional engraved PUT wristband. He said it will be a privilege to remember a colleague whose loss continues to be felt across the Force.

Andy was part of West Mercia Police for eight years and died on duty at the age of 43. He collapsed while attending an incident in Broseley, Shropshire.

“It will be a privilege to ride in Andy’s memory. His passing had a significant impact on the Force – he was a treasured colleague who is missed every day,” said Damian.

Riders at last year's event

“I recently met his wife, Luci, who is also an officer in the Force, and it was great to hear how much value she places on what we do and the work of COPS.

“For Andy, and for every officer who has lost their life on duty, we will honour them this weekend for the incredible people they were.”

As well as honouring fallen colleagues, participants will once again be raising funds for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), the charity dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers. Fundraising will continue throughout the weekend as riders from across the country come together and take on the challenge.

The event will end at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday, for the annual COPS Service of Remembrance.

Police Unity Tour

Having stepped into his current Force role shortly after last year’s event, Damian is taking part in his seventh Police Unity Tour. 

Ahead of the ride, he said: “I’m very much looking forward to riding once again and keeping the memories alive of those who served policing so well.

“The PUT is always a challenge, and while I’m a keen cyclist, I’m also advancing in my years and have less time to train nowadays, so it’s never going to be easy – especially getting through 100 miles on the first day.

“However, there’s such a togetherness among riders to get you through it, and it’s always an opportunity to meet like-minded people, both in terms of policing and cycling.

“Plus, when you are asking people to sponsor you, you want it to be a challenge and something out of the ordinary. Once again, the support in terms of fundraising for COPS has been fantastic, so I would like to thank any Federation member who has donated or even wished us well.”

Chapter

For 2026, West Mercia-based riders have been tasked with leading a chapter of the PUT, also including West Midlands, Warwickshire and Staffordshire police forces.

This responsibility has been taken on by Force staff member Jon Strelitz, who has organised a 200-mile route to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, going through all four force regions within the chapter along the way.

“Jon and the team have done a brilliant job, not just with the route but every aspect of our plans,” Damian added.

“The COPS Annual Service of Remembrance on the Sunday is always a unique and fitting way to end the weekend. I would encourage anyone to get themselves to the Arboretum for it, as it’s a great way to commemorate our late colleagues even if you have no involvement with the PUT.

“It’s an incredibly poignant service, which will mean something a bit different to everyone, depending on who you are remembering.”

You can support the West Midlands chapter – also including West Mercia, Staffordshire and Warwickshire – of the 2026 Police Unity Tour by visiting their JustGiving page.

READ MORE: West Mercia team gear up for this year's Police Unity Tour.