Police Unity Tour: Have you signed up for one of the greatest bike rides ever?
3 May 2023
Do you want to be part of one of the greatest and most emotional sponsored cycle rides ever? The annual Police Unity Tour (PUT) is fast approaching and this is your chance to dust off your bike and register.
Branch chair Rich Cooke, who with help from Chief Superintendent Andy Beard is organising this year’s chapter, is calling on members of West Midlands Police Federation to take part.
Both current and retired police officers and Specials are being urged to get involved in the event, which is once again raising money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), the only UK-wide charity that supports the families of fallen colleagues.
“I can’t put into words just how amazing it is to be part of this event,” said Rich.
“Sadly, there are far too many of our colleagues who lose their lives on duty - and this bike ride is for them and their families. I think it must be one of the few times that we see both serving and retired officers, of all ranks, and from all forces come together for one single cause.
“It truly is an honour to take part, and I urge you to join me. Together, we ride in their memory, we ride in their honour and we ride for their families.”
Rich Cooke on a previous PUT ride with Paula McDowell and Andy Beard
The 200-mile event, will start on Friday 28 July and end on Sunday 30 July, with the final chapter being in Staffordshire, as riders end at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, to mark this year’s memorial service.
During the event, each of those participating wears a wristband specifically dedicated to a fallen officer - with these bracelets given to family members of those officers at the end of the ride.
This year, the chapter is appealing for a total of 30 riders from across four forces: West Midlands, Staffordshire, West Mercia and Warwickshire.
Rich added: “So far, we have around 10 riders from West Midlands officially registered but I want to see more there.
“This is your chance to be part of something amazing. There’s still time to get your name down - don’t delay, and sign up now.”
It costs £150 to sign up for the event, with a commitment to raise a minimum of £400.
