Police Unity Tour gets underway

7 August 2026

The West Midlands PUT Chapter in 2025.

Three representatives of West Midlands Police are taking part in this weekend’s Police Unity Tour, the annual cycle ride to raise awareness of fallen officers and boost the funds of the charity that supports the families they leave behind.

PC Ben Keepax and Special Constable Sean Walker – son of the late West Midlands officer Malcolm (Mac) Walker - will join colleagues from the Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Mercia forces in cycling as part of the West Midlands Chapter of the tour while Sergeant Dave Jephcott, for around the sixth year, will be part of the support team.

Chapters made up of officers, Specials, staff and family members set off from forces across England and Wales today (7 August) to take part in the tour with all the cyclists coming together at Drayton Manor near Tamworth on Saturday afternoon before riding into the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire together on Sunday ahead of the annual service of remembrance organised by the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity.

The West Midlands Chapter of 13 riders and 5 support team members is being led by Jon Strelitz, a member of police staff at West Mercia Police, who is taking part in the tour for the third year.

“The Police Unity Tour and COPS service of remembrance are key dates in the policing calendar and give us all a chance to honour our fallen colleagues, raise awareness of their sacrifice, and that of the loved ones they leave behind, all while raising funds for the incredible work carried out by COPS in helping families rebuild their shattered lives,” says Jon.

They will cover a total distance of 200 miles as they make their way to the arboretum and will touch the four force areas of the chapter’s riders. They leave West Mercia Police headquarters in Hindlip on Friday morning, before passing through the West Midlands and Warwickshire for an overnight stay in Kenilworth before ending in Staffordshire.

Each rider taking part in the tour wears a wristband engraved with the name of a fallen officer and at the end of ride, where possible, presents this to the officer’s family.

The West Midlands Chapter’s riders will wear the wristbands for the following officers from the Force: David Brennan, Robert Dallow, Keith Dobson, Paul Frear, Deborah Harman-Burton, Valroy O’Neil Hodgson, Ryan Hunt, Andrew LeComte, Robert Ling, Phillip Sanderson, Michael Swindells and Mac Walker.

In added poignancy, Mac’s wristband will be worn by Sean.

“This is the third time I am riding in the PUT in memory of my father who was killed on duty in 2001.  I first took part back in 2018 and then again in 2022,” says Sean.

“I decided in 2017 that I wanted to give it a go when I took my son to Drayton Manor and saw the number of riders who had taken part.  It was an impressive sight to see and that gave me the kick to sign up for 2018.

“I am far from a seasoned cyclist and it is going to be a big challenge for me again but the feeling you get when you get to Drayton Manor and at the arboretum seeing the families is something else and it gives you a sense of achievement, raising money for such a great charity.

“The support crew are excellent and a massive help throughout the weekend, making it all run smoothly for the riders.  Without their time and dedication, it wouldn’t be an easy weekend.”

Dave says he just really enjoys being part of the support team and helping the riders. Having joined the Force in 2003, he transferred to Warwickshire in around 2019 but came back on promotion three years ago.

“My motivation for supporting the tour is purely just wanting to help. I enjoy the camaraderie of the tour and just want to try to help those who are putting the effort into the cycling and raising money for the COPS charity. Part of what the support team does is make sure that the cyclists don’t have to sort out their kit and bags when they are finished at the end of the day, we’ve checked them into the hotel and put their bags in their room for them and helping with any breakdowns or first aid issues,” Dave explains.

“These are small things in comparison to riding 100 miles a day, but I like that it helps them, so I enjoy being a part of that. There is then the charity itself. I can’t see myself ever being able to carry out the physical challenge of the tour but want to help that charity even in a small way as it provides support no one else does.”

You can donate to the West Midlands PUT’s fundraising through their JustGiving page. The team is aiming to raise £15,000.