July 31, 2018 - 1321 views
A group of North Wales Police officers and staff took part in a national cycle ride to honour the service and sacrifice of fallen UK police officers.
Between last Friday and Sunday, 13 members of Team North Wales Police cycled nearly 210 miles from Police Headquarters in Colwyn Bay to the National Police Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to raise money for COPS (Care of Police Survivors).
COPS is a UK registered charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, rebuild their lives. It aims to ensure that survivors have all the help they need to cope with such a tragedy, and that they remain part of the police family.
Team NWP prepare to leave Force Head Quarters and are seen off by ACC Richard Debicki
Chief Inspector Owain Llewellyn recounts a rewarding, if exhausting weekend.
“On the first day the eleven cyclists and their small support team covered 150 miles to Bromsgrove. Not only did we have to contend with 30c heat, headwinds and numerous punctures, but also climbed in excess of 6000 feet during the day.
“Considering that some members of the team had never cycled over 60 miles it’s not surprising that there was an occasional grumpy face. Thankfully, plentiful supplies of haribo, sausage rolls and cake never failed to lift the mood and a hero’s welcome at the team hotel from the other Welsh forces made the day’s toil well worthwhile.
“Day two was 60 miles trip to Drayton Manor where there was an emotional reunion with survivors’ families. We handed over memorial bands we had ridden with and shared stories about fallen officers. It was also here that ‘Team NWP’ was awarded a trophy for being the ‘most committed team’ due to the massive ride on day one.
“On the final day we were joined by more than 400 cyclists from forces from across the UK to ride into the National Police Memorial where families lined the route and applauded our arrival.
“It was an experience we were not prepared for and there was not a dry eye in the team. Listening to stories from survivors provided a poignant end to the Unity Tour and we were proud to lay flowers at the official North Wales Police memorial tree.
“The Welsh chapter raised in excess of £15 000 for this year’s appeal. An amazing total and we are grateful to all who contributed.
“I am extremely proud of Team NWP and our involvement in this year’s COPS Unity Tour. Seeing first-hand the work that COPS do with survivor families has been both inspirational and emotional. We will continue to celebrate and remember the service given by our fallen colleagues”
