NEWS
• Acting Sergeant Reece Buckenham of Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Moving testimonies were shared by survivors, some of whom had joined the ride themselves this year—motivated by a desire to give back to the charity that had supported them through their grief. Their stories brought the cost of policing into sharp focus and reinforced the importance of the COPS charity. As the ceremony concluded with the sound of police whistles, many found it hard to hold back their emotions. Following the service, attendees
walked down ‘The Beat’—a tree-lined promenade where each tree stands in memory of a fallen officer from each UK police force. It is often at this point, away from the formalities, that the raw emotion truly surfaces. Friends, colleagues, and family members walked side by side, many shedding tears as the reality of their loss took hold.
The 2025 tour raised over £240,000, bringing the total raised since the tour’s inception to more than £1.8 million for Care of Police Survivors. The funds go directly towards counselling, support groups, and vital services for families who have lost someone in the line of duty.
Next year’s event is already in the works, with the dates confirmed as 7–9 August. For more information on next year’s event or to find out how to join your local chapter lead, visit
www.ukpoliceunitytour.org
The Police Unity Tour is more than just a bike ride—it is a living, moving tribute. It connects strangers with shared pain, creates lifelong bonds among officers across forces, and reinforces a powerful message: We ride for those who died. We will never forget them.
Former West Mercia Special Constable and PFEW Digital Communications Specialist Zak Southwood has attended many tours and works as part of the support team for the West Midlands Unity Tour Chapter: “The Unity Tour has long been an important date in my calendar; however, in 2023 it became an obligatory commitment upon losing dear friend and colleague Special Chief Inspector Chris Smith. He was not only the boss but also the coordinator of the West Midlands Unity Tour Chapter’s support contingent. In fact, it is so important that I moved the date of my wedding when the 2025 dates were announced. I was honoured to play a small role in something so meaningful. And I’ll be back next year—spanner in hand, spare inner tubes at the ready, although next year will fall on my first wedding anniversary!”
10 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2025
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