Fed chair sends support to riders as Police Unity Tour nears
23 July 2024
West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke has wished luck to the Force’s riders in this year’s Police Unity Tour (PUT) as they gear up for the annual event.
Participants will embark on a three-day, 180-mile bike ride on Friday (26 July) to commemorate officers who have died in the line of duty.
The ride, which is undertaken by cyclists from forces across England and Wales, raises money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which provides care and support for bereaved families of fallen officers.
On Sunday (28 July), participants will end the ride at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for the annual COPS service of remembrance.
Rich, who has previously led the West Midlands PUT Chapter, said: “I know, first hand, that the ride is physically demanding but the emotional reward you get out of it makes it all worthwhile.
Invaluable
“It’s a great opportunity to take on a challenge with your colleagues and the perfect chance to pay respects to officers who are sadly no longer with us.
“The fact you are raising money and awareness for an invaluable cause like COPS is more than enough motivation to see you through to the end – but then you get to the arboretum, and the service there is incredibly moving.”
Traditionally, each cyclist on the PUT tour wears a wristband inscribed with the name of a fallen officer. At the end of the ride, the wristband is presented to the respective families of these officers.
Cyclists taking part in a previous PUT riding into the arboretum.
“It’s a time for the loved ones of officers we have lost to be reminded they are never on their own and that the police family will always be there for them. COPS does an exceptional job of supporting them all year round,” Rich added.
COPS 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.
Special weekend
The tour has been held for each of the last 12 years in support of COPS. It first started in 1997 as a low-key fundraiser and has now turned into a major event and a highlight on the policing calendar.
Rich ended with a message for this year’s riders: “I hope all participants representing the West Midlands enjoy what promises to be a special weekend.
“It’s so important that we honour our colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice. Whether it’s your first time, or you are experienced on the tour, it’s a great thing to do every year.
“I’d like to wish all cyclists the best of luck for the ride.”
