A Number of North Yorkshire Police Officers and Staff are taking part in the UK Police Unity Tour, cycling over 200 miles to raise money for the Care of Police survivors Charity(COPS) .

COPS provides peer support opportunities and access to counselling services to help surviving family members (‘survivors’) rebuild their shattered lives.

"Your loss is a part of who you are but COPS helps you realise that it doesn’t define you. We are all one big family."

Since its foundation in 2003, COPS has helped hundreds of police families devastated by the loss of a loved one who died on duty.

Below is statements from those taking part about what the event means to them and why they are taking part.

ASSISTANT CHIEF OFFICER LISA STITT

I’m Lisa Stitt and I’m the Assistant Chief Officer at North Yorkshire Police. I’ve been in policing for three years. I am very much a leisure cyclist and did the Unity Tour for the first time last year. It was such a momentous and emotional experience that I’ve signed up again. A few of us are also adding an extra 100 miles the day before the tour officially kicks off by cycling to join colleagues in Humberside.

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’ve seen how COPS support families, in particular over the last year and they deserve our fundraising support.

I know the ride will be tough and my training has not been as good this year as it was last but the motivation, comradery and seeing the families of the fallen when we arrive in Staffordshire makes it worthwhile. Last year I rode in the memory of PC Rosie Prior, carrying her name on a wristband throughout the ride and I handed it over to her mum at the end of the rise; it was very emotional.

If you are able to provide just a small donation towards our fundraising I’d be extremely grateful, not just to help support COPs and their tireless efforts but to contribute towards ensuring those who gave their lives in the line of service for North Yorkshire Police have the lasting legacy they deserve.

POLICE SERGEANT JOSHUA SNAITH

I am a proud participant in the 2025 Police Unity Tour now riding in my 5th 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 8 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.

DETECTIVE CHIEF INSPECTOR DAVID ELLIS

Shortly after this year’s Police Unity Tour, I will be in the fortunate position of being able to retire from NYP to seek out new challenges.

It has been a privilege to serve the public which (for the most part!) has been thoroughly fulfilling for the last 30 years.

Some colleagues have not been so fortunate and have made the ultimate sacrifice.

I am riding the PUT this year in honour of colleagues who did not make it through their service, to raise awareness of the work Care Of Police Survivors do in supporting bereaved families of fallen colleagues, and to mark my 30 years’ service.

The PUT will be my last act in and representing NYP - your support will mean a lot.

POLICE STAFF INVESTIGATOR DOUG STANWAY

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.

DETECTIVE CONSTABLE MARIE WILLIAMS

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.

FLEET MANAGER DAVID HIGO

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 4 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.

DIGITAL FORENSICS TECHNICAL MANAGER LEE CHAPMAN

I'm Lee Chapman from the Digital Forensics Unit and been in North Yorkshire Police for 12 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.

PATRICK HOLTBY TRAINER