Pictured: Emma Corby taking part in the 2024 UK Police Unity Tour
Fantastic fundraiser Emma Corby has decided to take her fundraising to the next level. After taking part in the 2024 UK Police Unity Tour, she has decided to run 1 mile a day until the 2025 event on Friday 1st August in memory of police officers and staff who have died on duty. Read all about why Emma has decided to take on this challenge for COPS.
Last year I had the absolute privilege to be part of the Derbyshire Police Unity Tour (PUT). Hand on heart, it was an adventure and experience I’ll remember forever for so many reasons. Being part of the East Midlands Chapter and riding miles on your bike, talking to others about their experiences and why they were riding, meant the miles just flew by.
The PUT, for anyone not aware, is a 3-day bike ride covering roughly 180 miles which concludes at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Staffordshire, where a service is held to remember police officers and staff who have died on duty. The main purpose of the PUT is to raise money for COPS so that they can help and support the families left behind. They support immediate and extended family members in various ways, and their work is invaluable.
Riding amongst the PUT are also ‘Survivors’ – those who have lost parents, children, siblings. Hearing and talking to them about their loved ones is so humbling, emotional and inspiring. When we rode into Drayton Manor, where family members are there to welcome the tour, I can’t lie, I’m glad I had my sunglasses on as the lump in my throat was certainly making my eyes water.
And that’s my “why”.
They are my motivation, and that’s why I’m climbing back on my bike for this year’s PUT, and why I’m doing all I can to fundraise for COPS – to ensure that the work and services they offer can continue and be there for all those who need it most. COPS facilitates conversations, connections, and support to be found when it’s needed. As COPS say, they are helping to “rebuild shattered lives”.
It’s for that reason, that as well as taking part in this year’s tour, I’m also literally going the extra mile to support and fundraise for them.
I began an extra challenge on 31st March 2025 – running 1 mile every day in memory of police officers who have died on duty. I won’t stop doing so until the day before the PUT. On that day I’ll climb on my bike and start the 3-day tour on Friday 1st August.
By then I will have run 123 miles – one for each of the 123 officers who service and sacrifice I have been reflecting on with each step – that’s just under 4 ½ marathons.
Running the mile each day allows me to take a moment in busy day to day life to reflect on the officers we have lost, and also their loved ones who have been left behind. Their pain will never go away, they’ll always miss their loved ones.
There are so many more officers to honour, and I’ll continue to do that as I join the 400-strong riders from across the country riding in the Police Unity Tour. But I’m proud to have committed to these extra 123 miles — my personal tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Pictured: Emma Corby with her fellow East Midlands Chapter riders
If you wish to follow along and support the ‘Memory Mile Challenge’, head over to my Instagram account @put_runner123 where each day I post a short clip dedicating the day’s mile to a fallen officer. No dancing, no gimmicks, just a short, thoughtful video to show my respect.
Please support, follow along and share with others, as doing so massively helps to spread the invaluable work completed by COPS. If you’re able to help and support then you can also donate via Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/page/put-east-midlands
I’d encourage anyone to consider taking part in the PUT, as it’s genuinely an amazing experience to be part of, and one I’m proud to be doing again.
But for now, you’ll find me “chasing miles and honouring heroes”.
Care of Police Survivors would like to send a huge thank you to Emma for taking on such a huge and inspiring challenge.