A team of officers and police staff from North Wales Police are preparing to take on a challenging 180-mile cycle ride to raise money for charity and pay tribute to colleagues who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The team will take part in the COPS Unity Tour, cycling from Aberystwyth to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire over three days as part of a nationwide event supporting the charity Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

Founded in 2003, COPS provides vital support to families of police officers and staff who have died while serving, helping them cope with the loss of a loved one and ensuring they remain part of the wider policing family.

The Police Unity Tour began in the UK in 2013, inspired by a similar event in the United States. The Welsh Chapter brings together officers and staff from all four Welsh police forces, who join riders from across the UK for the final journey to the National Memorial Arboretum, where a special service will take place on Sunday.

Each rider will carry a wristband commemorating a police colleague who died in the line of duty, with the bands carried proudly across the finish line in their memory.

Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn, who is taking part in the event for the eighth time, said the ride was about much more than the physical challenge.

“Taking part in the Police Unity Tour is much more than completing a challenging ride,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to honour the memory of colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice and to show that they, and their families, will never be forgotten.

“I’m proud to ride alongside colleagues from across the UK as we raise awareness and vital funds for a charity that continues to stand by police families when they need it the most.”

North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman KPM said COPS holds a special place within the policing community.

“Care of Police Survivors is a charity that holds a very special place within the policing family, and one that is particularly close to my heart,” she said.

“The support it provides to families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty is invaluable and helps ensure they continue to feel part of the police family during the most difficult of times.

“The Police Unity Tour is a fitting tribute to those officers and staff who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also raising awareness and funds for a cause that makes such a real difference.

“I am proud to be supporting the Welsh Chapter this year and wish everyone taking part a safe and successful journey to the National Memorial Arboretum.”

More than £1,000 has already been raised for COPS through kind donations, including support from vendors who attended the North Wales Police Open Day in May.

Donations can still be made through the team’s official fundraising page.

Throughout the weekend, riders will be supported by the North Wales Police Welfare Van, while several organisations have helped provide food and refreshments for those taking part, including Village Bakery, Tesco, Morrisons and the North Wales Police Group Insurance Scheme.

The team’s journey is expected to be a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers and staff across the country, while helping ensure bereaved families continue to receive the support they need.

More information about the Police Unity Tour is available through the official website: https://ukpoliceunitytour.org/

Further details about Care of Police Survivors can be found at: https://ukcops.org/