Commissioner Henry welcomes riders to Police Headquarters
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry praised riders for their ‘incredible dedication’ after completing a 170-mile charity bike ride.
Members of the policing family raised thousands of pounds in memory of fallen officers by taking part in the three-day event.
Forty-five riders from across the East Midlands took on a gruelling 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 on the morning of Friday 28 July and were given a rousing reception from Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry, as well as Officers and Staff as they arrived at Force Headquarters in Arnold later that afternoon.
After a well-earned lunch break and a moment of reflection at the force’s memorial garden, where Commissioner Henry joined others in paying their respects to fallen Officers, the riders continued their way to their next stop Derbyshire Police Headquarters.
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 Walker, a popular dog handler who was killed on duty in 2003.
Commissioner Henry said: “It was amazing to join the team as we welcomed the riders to Force Headquarters on Friday afternoon.
“Their dedication to this three-day charity bike ride was incredible, and I could not think of a greater cause than COPS.
“It was an honour to join colleagues paying their respects as we laid wreaths in the force’s memorial garden.”
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 Meynell said: “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 other’s company, but also to reflect on the lives of those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the public safe."
So far over £12,000 has been raised from more than 575 sponsors.
Further donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chapter9put
Posted on Monday 7th August 2023