The Cambridgeshire chapter at last year's Police Unity Tour
The leader of Cambridgeshire’s Police Unity Tour (PUT) chapter has encouraged Federation members to sign up for the 2025 event, with registration now open.
A 13th edition of the PUT is set to be held in the UK from Friday 1 August to Sunday 3 August this year, where participants from around the country will complete a weekend-long bike ride in memory of police officers who have lost their lives on duty.
The ride sees money and awareness raised for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which closely supports the families left behind by late officers.
Survivors are able to cycle themselves in the PUT, along with serving and retired police officers and staff who typically make up most of the chapter.
Team Cambridgeshire will be taking their tried and tested route for the ride, which will begin at Force headquarters on the Friday morning and continue through the likes of Market Harborough, Tamworth and Drayton Manor theme park, where they will meet up with a number of survivors.
The final destination of Lichfield, Staffordshire will then be reached on the Sunday, where, as with tradition, the PUT will conclude with COPS’ Annual Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.
“This is always a very poignant end to a challenging weekend,” said Caroline Scully, who will lead the chapter for a seventh time in 2025.
“Every year, the ride gives us the opportunity to honour those who have died in the line of duty. That comes with a lot of emotion, hard work and sacrifice – as we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by fallen officers – but it is all so worth it.
“And to give backing to COPS every year remains so important. Its work as a charity is incredible, bringing grieving families together and offering them the chance to share a unique type of loss. It’s a very bespoke level of support and that can be priceless, so it’s a pleasure to raise money for COPS.”
A mix of 11 returning and new cyclists have so far signed up to the chapter for this year’s event, including Cambridgeshire Constabulary Chief Constable Nick Dean, and Jess Doughty, the stepdaughter of the late PC Bruce Lister, as debutants.
Bruce, who died on duty at Hertfordshire Constabulary in 2023, was honoured in the chapter last year through the participation of wife Janine and daughter Megan, who will both ride again this year.
“Of course, we remember every single officer to pass away on duty, but some specific officers we will keep close to our hearts are PC Andreas Newbery, DC Ben Devonshire, PC Alan Lee, DC Sharon Garrett and DC Karen Paterson,” Caroline added.
“We are pleased to have the Chief riding with us this year, and we would urge anyone who is wanting to join us and commemorate our fallen colleagues to do so.
“The ride itself has its challenges, but it is accessible to all – you could be an experienced cyclist, but we’ve also had people buy bikes just to take part before.
“We are a small and welcoming group who look after each other every moment of the way. So, if you fancy it, please sign up and become part of our amazing chapter, or consider donating to us through our JustGiving page.”
Federation members can register online to be part of this year’s PUT.
Entry costs £180 and in return, entrants will receive a wristband engraved with a fallen officer’s name, and two nights’ accommodation and constant cycling support across the weekend.