Staffordshire Police Federation chair Lee Robinson has sent a message of support to members taking part in the 2023 Police Unity Tour bike ride later this month.
Preparations are well and truly underway with the Staffordshire Police team raring to get on the road for the 200-mile challenge.
The riders will set off from Force HQ on Friday 28 July and reach the finish line on Sunday 30 July at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas where a service of remembrance for fallen friends and colleagues takes place.
The annual event raises funds for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), the UK-wide charity which is dedicated to helping the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.
Each cyclist will be wearing a wristband specifically dedicated to a fallen officer which is traditionally presented to family members of those officers at the end of the ride.
Hundreds of officers representing police forces across the country will take part in the ride which was first held back in 1997 as a low-key fund-raising event but has grown into a major international event and is now one of the key dates in the policing calendar.
Serving and retired police officers and Specials can take part in the event and participants talk about the extraordinary camaraderie between fellow riders and the lifelong friendships that have been forged in the saddle.
Lee said: “I’d like to wish all our riders all the very best of luck for the PUT ride.
“It has become a very significant event on the policing calendar over the years and everyone who takes part talks of the friendship and camaraderie between the riders.
“It raises money for a cause that is very close to our members’ hearts and serves as a wonderful memorial to fallen colleagues.”
