Three-day cycle challenge through Yorkshire in memory fallen police officers

A team of serving Humberside Police officers will embark on the gruelling 225-mile Unity Tour cycle journey tomorrow (Friday) which will start at York Minster.

The riders will pass through Hull before finishing at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to raise money for national charity, Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

PC Darren Kirkwood of Humberside Police, who was raised more than £12,000 for COPS, will be riding for the fourth consecutive year in memory of fallen colleagues.

"The Unity Tour originally started with 18 cyclists in the USA," he said.

"Over the years it has gone from strength to strength and now has several chapters across the UK.

"This year we have our own chapter and we are delighted to have the chance to build in a stop in Hull."

Riders will be joined by loved ones of fallen colleagues and a short memorial service will be led in Hull by Humberside Police chaplain, Mary Vickers.

Chief Constable Lee Freeman, who is also taking part, said:“The cycle ride will be personally challenging but it is a great honour to ride in memory of our lost colleagues.

"We have five officers taking part and each rider will wear a memorial wristband inscribed with the name and information of a police officer who died in the line of duty, which they will carry to the finish line.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/companyteams/northeastchapter to donate.