I have been a cyclist for around 15 years and ridden long distance endurance events. The Unity Tour is a unique event which I strongly felt I should get involved in this year. I have worked with colleagues who have been lost in the course of their duty and know how their families, close friends and colleagues have been affected. I want to ride to represent North Yorkshire Police at its best

I don’t ride as much as I used to so I know it will be a challenge. I am really looking forward to getting to know the colleagues who I am riding with better and also and being part of something bigger. I am sure the final ride into the Police National Memorial on Sunday will be very moving.

Thank you for your support to a fantastic charity which is here to help those who are left behind following the death of a loved one. Your contribution is really valued”

I’m Lisa Stitt and I’m the Assistant Chief Officer at North Yorkshire Police. I’ve been in policing almost two years. I’m the rookie of this group; very much a leisure cyclist and I only started road cycling five years ago. I’ve never done any kind of road race or event and, up until starting to train for the Police Unity Tour, I’d never cycled more than 40 miles in one ride. However, I’m strong, determined and don’t like to give up!

I’m taking part in the Police Unity Tour because of the meaningful work carried out by Care of Police Survivors (COPS). Their tireless support to the families of police officers and police staff who have lost their lives on duty is commendable, creating a lasting legacy for the fallen, while ensuring their families have lifelong support.

I know the ride will be tough, especially getting back into the saddle on day two, but the reason for doing the Tour far outweighs the short-term pain on the bike. I know the last day, arriving at the National Arboretum to pay our respect to the ten officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty at North Yorkshire Police, and those for the wider police family, will be emotional. But to have contributed to the enduring work of COPS and to support the families will make it all worth it.

I am a proud participant in the 2025 Police Unity Tour now riding in my 4th year. This charity ride holds a deep personal meaning for me as it supports Care of Police Survivors (COPS) an organisation dedicated to helping the families of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

As a leisure cyclist the ride challenges me physically, but more importantly it allows me to honour the memory of fallen colleagues and stand in solidarity with their loved ones.

Each mile ridden is a tribute to those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I am proud to do my part to ensure that those officers’ memory is never forgotten.

This year the ride carries even greater significance. In January 2025 North Yorkshire Police tragically lost its 10th officer in the line of duty since the force was established 50 years ago with the death of PC Rosie Prior. Having been in policing for 7 years this is a sobering reminder of the risks my friends and colleagues face every day. I ride not only in remembrance of those we have lost but also in support for the families they leave behind.

Please donate anything you can spare towards such fantastic charity.

I am currently in my 40th year of police service as a Cadet, Officer and now Police Staff member. Sadly, in those 40 years there have been a number of police colleagues who haven’t it home and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Care of Police Survivors (COPS) are a UK registered charity dedicated to providing practical emotional support to the families of police officers who have lost their lives on duty, ensuring survivors have the help they need to cope with such a tragedy and rebuild their lives.

This event which is an annual memorial and fund raising event is a huge opportunity to raise funds for the charity and I feel privileged to take part in this event.

Please donate whatever you feel able to do so in aid of this charity.

I participated in my first Police Unity Tour in 2018, the first year as a cyclist and each subsequent year as part of the support team. Since North Yorkshire Police was established in 1974, there have been 10 officers that have died whilst on duty and I take part and wear a band in one of the officers name on to ensure their memory is never forgotten.

Care of Police Survivors (COPS) provide care and support to families who have lost loved ones whilst on duty and it imperative that they receive funding through the Unity Tour so they can continue to provide this invaluable service should the worst happen and another life is lost.

I'm David Higo from the Fleet department based in Thirsk at the T&L hub & been part of the Police staff for just over 3 year. I've been a social cyclist since turning 40 as a transition from playing rugby league to a less impact sport. I've always enjoyed yearly challenges as part of my fitness hobbies either tough mudder / total warrior assault courses to walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks etc. Taking part in the Care Of Police Survivors Charity (COPS) is a great challenge & for a good cause.

I'm Lee Chapman from the Digital Forensics Unit and been in North Yorkshire Police for 11 years. As a regular cyclist, I was drawn to the opportunity to take part in such an important cause. It will be an honour to ride in remembrance of those who have died in the line of duty and to raise money for those affected. My training has included cycling in Mallorca—complete with the essential coffee and cake breaks that every cyclist can appreciate! I look forward to taking part with all colleagues and thank you in advance for the support.