It’s full steam ahead for the 2021 UK Police Unity Tour who are currently preparing for their biggest ride yet.
Providing government guidelines allow the tour to go ahead the cyclists will be riding into the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 1st August.
Retired police officer Rachel Love, 52, rode with the North East Chapter for the first time in 2019 and is looking forward to taking on the challenge again this year after having to take part virtually in 2020.
Rachel said: “I’d only ever planned to take part in the Police Unity Tour once in 2019, but I underestimated the huge emotional impact this event has on everybody involved.
“From supporting each other on the ride to meeting the survivors and riding through the Arboretum, nothing can prepare you for the outpouring of grief and love that is completely overwhelming in the best way.”
After the Police Unity Tour got cancelled in 2020, as well as taking part in the virtual event, Rachel shaved her hair off to raise money for COPS.
Rachel added: “I raised twice as much money after shaving my hair off, I know how hard COPS has been hit by Covid so our target this year is £400 each but I hope to smash that by doing some extra crazy stuff, even the clippers may come out once more!
“I rode for Sgt Bill Forth previously, who I never knew but I now feel a huge connection to him and his lovely wife, Gill.
“My much loved and missed colleagues, Russ Wylie and James Heaton and their families are also always on my mind too.
“I really hope to be cycling to the Arboretum this year with the rest of my chapter and I can’t wait to see everyone again.”
“From supporting each other on the ride to meeting the survivors and riding through the Arboretum, nothing can prepare you for the outpouring of grief and love that is completely overwhelming in the best way.”
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