Derbyshire police complete 180 mile charity cycle to raise money for families who lost loved ones in line of duty

The group made up of officers and employees from Derbyshire police set off on the charity challenge in Ripley on Friday, 30 July which ended at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday, August 1.

Riders completed the 180-mile cycle ride which took two days to finish to raise funds for the Care Of Police Survivors (COPS) charity which aims to support a charity the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.

The riders from the East Midlands were joined by a small group of friends and families of the police officers and staff members who have died over the years.

Derbyshire Constabulary’s lead Chaplain Ami Lindo, Deputy Chief Constable Kate Meynell, Chair of Police Federation Tony Wetton and Police Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster also joined the group for a short memorial service before the officers and staff embarked on their journey.

180-miles later, once the bike ride was completed police and workers from the force met with other tour groups from around the country for the Care of Police Survivor’s Annual Service of Remembrance.

Malcolm Shakespeare, who organised the Derbyshire part of the unity tour, said: “Being able to ride for our fallen police officers and staff members over the years has been an honour.

“Seeing the Derbyshire group of riders grow from two to nine over the past few years has been excellent and given a much-needed boost to the fundraising pot.

"The work that COPs does is absolutely essential, and while nobody should ever have to use their services, the sad fact is that they are required.

"It is an absolute privilege to ride and meet with fellow officers and staff members from across the country, remember our colleagues and raise money for such a fantastic cause.

“Being able to ride for our fallen police officers and staff members has been an honour.”

The Derbyshire police team team raised £860 for the charity through their JustGiving page – smashing their initial target of £850.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

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