Charity bike ride raising money in memory of fallen officers

Members of the police family are raising thousands of pounds in memory of fallen officers by taking part in a three-day charity bike ride.

Forty-five riders from across the East Midlands are taking on a gruelling 170-mile route in aid of Care of Police Survivors (COPS), which supports the families of police personnel who have died in the line of duty.

The riders, including Nottinghamshire Chief Constable Kate Meynell, set off from Leicester early yesterday (Friday) morning and were given a rousing reception as they arrived at Force HQ in Arnold later in the afternoon.

After a well-earned lunch break and a moment of reflection at the force’s memorial garden, the riders continued on their way to their next stop Derbyshire Police HQ.

They are due to arrive on Sunday at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where they will be joined by several hundred other riders from across the country.

The multi-day ride, now an annual event, is again being completed by survivor Tracy Walker, her daughter Rebecca and son Matt to mark the twentieth anniversary of the death of Ged, a popular dog handler who was killed on duty in 2003.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Lefford, organiser of this year's ride, said:

“This is a great example of our policing family pulling together in aid of a really good cause.

“COPS is a great charity that provides excellent support for the families of fallen officers, and I am thrilled with how many volunteers have put themselves forward for this.

“This is a challenging route, so I really am full of admiration for everyone who has agreed to take part and everyone who has sponsored us.

“I am also thankful to Nottingham Forest who have also provided us with a signed shirt for auction.”

Chief Constable Kate Meynell added:

“I am delighted to be taking part in this year’s ride and showing my support for this brilliant cause.

“As the miles go by, we’ve had plenty of time not only to enjoy each others’ company, but also to reflect on the lives of those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the public safe.”

Further donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chapter9put