Riders gear up for PUT cycle challenge

27 July 2023

Riders from West Midlands Police are making last minute preparations ahead of this year’s Police Unity Tour (PUT).

The annual 200-mile cycle challenge, which raises funds for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity, gets underway tomorrow morning (28 July) and ends on Sunday (30 July).

As always, the final leg of the ride is in Staffordshire with the riders crossing the finish line at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas in time for a poignant service of remembrance for fallen colleagues.

Participants traditionally wear a wristband specifically dedicated to a fallen officer throughout the ride and the bracelets are then given to family members of those officers at the end.

Rich Cooke on a previous PUT ride with Paula McDowell and Andy Beard

West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke and Chief Superintendent Andy Beard have organised the chapter for this year’s ride which is made up of officers from the West Midlands, Staffordshire, West Mercia and Warwickshire forces.

Speaking on the eve of the event, Rich said: “It is amazing it is to be part of this event which has become one of the major highlights on the policing calendar.

“Sadly, there are far too many of our colleagues who lose their lives on duty  and this bike ride is for them and their families. 

“I think it must be one of the few times that we see both serving and retired officers, of all ranks, and from all forces come together for one single cause.

“It truly is an honour to take part and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that makes being part of the police family so special.”

Supporters can make a donation via the chapter's Just Giving page.