West Mercia cyclists complete PUT in memory of fallen colleague

1 August 2023

A team of cyclists from West Mercia Police has completed the 2023 Police Unity Tour (PUT) cycle challenge with each rider wearing a black armband in memory of PC Andy Boardman who collapsed and died while on duty in April.

The 16 riders set off from Force HQ last Friday morning (28 July) and reached the finish line alongside hundreds of officers from across the country at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday (30 July).

They then attended an emotional COPS service of remembrance before laying flowers and wreaths.

Andy’s wife Luci, who is also a West Mercia Police officer, attended the service during which the 43-year-old father-of-two’s name was read out on the roll of honour along with 10 other fallen colleagues.

West Mercia Police Federation rep Rob Seewoosaha, who also attended the service, paid tribute to his friend and colleague.

He said: “I first met Andy in 2017 and quickly, we became more than colleagues, we became good friends.

“I know he was at the forefront of so many officers’ minds at the weekend, during the PUT and at the COPS memorial service afterwards.

“The impact losing a colleague has on the force is huge. Andy was one of the nicest, more loveable cops and people I’ve ever known.”

The West Mercia team gets ready to set off from Force HQ

The PUT began in 1997 as a small event to raise funds for COPS, the UK-wide charity dedicated to helping family members of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.

Since then, the event has grown into a major international event and is regarded as 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 developed through police service.

All riders wear a special wristband specifically dedicated to and inscribed with the name of a fallen officer.

West Mercia Police Federation chair Barry Horton said: “The Police Unity Tour is a fantastic event and this year had added poignancy for us after the death of Andy Boardman.

“At its heart is the remembrance of fallen colleagues and supporting the families of those police officers and staff who have made the ultimate sacrifice and I know that Andy and his loved ones were very much in the hearts and minds of the West Mercia riders throughout the weekend.”

The West Mercia team was also riding in memory of Special Chief Inspector Chris Smith who died on Sunday 23 July.

Chris was Chief Inspector for Herefordshire and Rural Crime Team, and also a field intel officer and modern slavery single point of contact at West Mercia Police.

He is survived by a wife and three children.