Cyclists complete Police Unity Tour charity challenge

A team of Hampshire Police officers and staff have raised almost £20,000 in a 220-mile charity bike ride in memory of those who have died in the line of duty.

The UK Police Unity Tour is an annual long-distance ride which every year sees hundreds of cyclists converge on the UK Police Memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Those taking part from Hampshire set off on Thursday, 18 August from the police training headquarters in Netley and completed the challenge on Sunday, 21 August.

The tour aims to raise money for the charity Care of Police Survivors (COPS), which helps the families of police officers who died in the line of duty.

Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, who took part in the event for the first time this year, said: "It was an honour to complete this challenge for a charity so close to all our hearts in our policing family.

"To see so many officers, staff and survivors complete the tour, as well as see family members of those who had died in the line of duty at the finish line, was truly inspiring.

"Although I completed the tour in memory of PC Jeffrey Whitcombe, who died on duty on 25 February 1987, the death of our former colleague PC Dan Golding on the day the ride started was heart-breaking.

"We were all so saddened to learn what had happened to Dan and our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues. So, while we all rode in memory of a specific fallen officer, we also rode for Dan and his family.”

DCC Snuggs added: “I had the privilege of attending the Survivors’ Dinner on the Saturday evening of the Tour and was amazed at the level, depth and consistency of support that COPS provides the families of our former colleagues over many years. It really is impressive what they do.

"Our team of riders from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police is closing in on our £20,000 fundraising target and we still need your help us get us over that finishing line.

"Your donations will help Care of Police Survivors continue the incredible work they do to support the loved ones left behind when an officer tragically dies on duty."

To donate, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hantstvpunitytour