Chris and I have once again signed up for the UK Police Unity Tour 2026 as part of Dorset Police's team.

There was never really any question about taking part again—especially as Chris has now taken on the role of Ride Lead! For me, it also guarantees four days of seeing my husband but more importantly it allows us to raise both funds and awareness for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity that means a great deal to us both.

Over four days, we will cycle more than 260 miles from Dorset to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Along the route, our peloton grows as we join with riders from police forces across the country. Together, we complete the final stage and ride into the Arboretum as one, ahead of the COPS Annual Memorial Service honouring fallen police officers and staff.

Every rider and member of the support team wears a blue memorial band in remembrance of a fallen officer. That officer remains with us throughout the entire tour and memorial service. Chris has always ridden in memory of Inspector Ian Toomer, while I have had the privilege of always riding in honour of DC Robin Povall.

Each year we find new ways to raise money for this incredible cause—whether through the generosity of family and friends, cake sales, turbo training events, quiz nights, selling items on Vinted, or even saving the money we would otherwise spend on coffees.

Why do we do it?

For me, it began as a way of honouring friends, colleagues and the families they left behind. It started with PC Gareth Browning, then PC James "Dixie" Dixon, and tragically by the time I completed the Jurassic Coast Challenge 100km with two of my TVP girlies, they tragically lost PC Andrew Harper too.

It is with both sadness and gratitude that I can personally vouch for the importance of this charity. The support COPS provides is invaluable. I have often described it as the insurance policy I hope my family never has to use.

Policing can be unpredictable, and none of us knows whether we will return home safely at the end of every shift. However, should the worst happen, families can take comfort in knowing that COPS will be there to provide support, guidance and understanding during the most devastating of times.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can give. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us reach our goal, motivates us throughout the challenge, and most importantly enables COPS to continue supporting bereaved police families when they need it most.

WE WILL REMEMBER. NEVER FORGOTTEN. LOVED FOREVER. 🖤💙🖤

Together, we can help ensure that no police family faces loss alone.