Each year Police Forces from all around the UK take part in the Police Unity Tour, whereby riders converge at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire in remembrance for all officers who have died in active service.
The event raises money for COPS - Care of Police Survivors. COPS do great work in supporting the families of fallen officers. Each rider wears a band in memory of an officer.
Many of the families will be present over the duration of the event, in particular on the second day of the tour whereby the riders meet with them at an emotional, but rewarding, part of the event.
On the last day of the tour the riders are applauded by senior officers and families as they cycle into the Arboretum in what is a very emotive and fitting end. The event is closed with a moving memorial service which hears tales from family members, including the struggles they've faced, the support they've received and also some happy memories of their loved ones.
Officers are then invited to each lay a rose.
The ride itself consists of over 200 miles over a testing route and is completed over 3 days. Day 1 usually covers 120-130 miles and is intended to be difficult for sombre reflection of the ultimate sacrifice given by our fallen colleagues.
