Saddle up for a long-distance bike ride to raise funds for the families of fallen police officers.
Staffordshire Police Federation members are being encouraged to join hundreds of other officers for the annual Police Unity Tour, which takes place in July.
The 200-mile bike ride is in remembrance of police officers who have died in the line of duty and to raise money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity that helps the families of fallen colleagues.
Lee Robinson, branch chair, said: “It’s a physically and mentally challenging event, but it’s also really satisfying to take part for such an amazing charity and for the memories of our fallen colleagues.
“We all know the risks of policing but we always expect to return home at the end of our shift.
“When the unthinkable does happen, COPS is there for the family to make sure they get the support they need.”
Serving and retired police officers and Specials can take part in the challenge. It starts on Friday 28 July and ends on Sunday 30 July at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, where a service of remembrance is being held by COPS for fallen friends and colleagues.
During the event, each cyclist will wear a wristband specifically dedicated to a fallen officer - with these bracelets given to family members of those officers at the end of the ride.
Lee said: “It’s an emotional experience taking on the event in memory of a fallen officer, finding out about their story and then passing on the bracelet to their family at the end.”
The chapter is appealing for 30 riders from across the Staffordshire, West Mercia, West Midlands and Warwickshire forces to take part.
It costs £150 to sign up for the event, with a commitment to raise a minimum of £400.
Find out more or register for this year’s event.
