Police officers’ cycle tribute
NEARLY 30 Leicestershire Police officers and staff took part in a 180 mile bike ride to honour the service and sacrifice of fallen colleagues.
The team, which included Chief Constable Simon Cole and Assistant Chief Constable Phil Kay, cycled from the force’s headquarters in Enderby to a service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in three days.
The event, which was part of the UK Police Unity Tour, also marked the force’s 180 year anniversary.
The team smashed their original target of £10,000 and have so far raised more than £15,000 for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity supporting the families of police officers who died while on duty.
Nationally, the ride raised more than £50,000 for the charity.
Mr Cole said: “It was a privilege to be part of the COPS ride this year. It was especially touching to see so many colleagues and families from Leicestershire at the arboretum for the memorial service.
“To bring people together, including families, former neighbours and even distant relatives who had not met before was very special.
“The ride was pretty tough and we climbed 4,000ft on both Saturday and Sunday.
“It is fair to say that Worcestershire, Warwick- shire and the Severn Valley are pretty hilly.
“We had great support from our team who travelled with us, from Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, the College of Policing and Sainsbury’s who provided us with meals and refreshments – they all made us feel very welcome.
“The reception that we got from the families of fallen colleagues made it all worthwhile.”