CHARITY


stop until the day before the PUT starts, when I’ll climb on my bike and begin the PUT 2025 on Friday, 1 August. So that’s 123 miles for 123 officers – just under four-and-a-half marathons. Running the mile each day allows me


to take a moment in the 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. If you wish to follow along and support the “Memory Mile” challenge, I have an Instagram account: @put_runner123, where each day I post a short clip dedicating that day’s mile to a fallen officer. No dancing, no gimmicks—just a short, thoughtful video to show my respects. Please support, follow along, and


I’m climbing back on my bike for this year’s PUT, and why I’m doing all I can to help and fundraise for COPS – to ensure that the work and services they offer can continue and be there for all those who need it most at what must be an absolutely devastating time. COPS allows conversations, connections, and support to be found when it’s needed. COPS allows an officer’s child to enjoy a day out with others who’ve experienced loss in similar circumstances – as COPS say


themselves, 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’m currently running one mile a day


for all police officers who have died as a result of a crime. There are 123 officers to honour and remember, and I’ve been chasing that mile and honouring those heroes since 31 March this year. I won’t


THIN BLUE LOOP


On 21 June, I will be embarking on my second charity ride around the county of Cheshire to raise money for mental health support


The aim is to raise awareness of the traumas, challenges, and horrors that police staff face when handling calls from members of the public in their hour of need. I aim to raise £3,687 which is my collar number – www.justgiving.com/page/neil- jones-thethinblueloop-behindthescenes. I was promoted to the Constabulary’s


Force Control Room as a Force Incident Sergeant after suffering an injury on duty in 2019. Rather than seeking medical retirement, I chose to reinvent myself and redirect my career. Entering the Control Room opened my eyes to the incredible work, pressures, and challenges that Cheshire Constabulary police staff face when answering calls and dispatching officers to incidents.


During my time here, I have seen


several police staff require and seek counselling due to the issues they have encountered as a direct result of their work. These range from a multi-year experienced staff member who is also a Special Constable, to a newly coached staff member who had to handle the initial call for a high-profile dog bite incident in the force area, which was covered by both local and national media outlets. When required, Traumatic Incident Stress Management (TISM) sessions are initiated to help debrief and diffuse the aftermath of incidents, supporting staff in managing their experiences. Realising the pressures our staff face—


and understanding that these individuals work behind the scenes, often forgotten once the incident is over—I decided to get


47 | POLICE | JUNE | 2025


share with others, as doing so massively helps to spread the invaluable work completed by COPS. If you’re able to help and support, you can also donate via JustGiving: PUT East Midlands Chapter is fundraising for Care of Police Survivors. 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”.


back in the saddle and recreate the ride I completed in 2021 for the same charity, in support of mental health. Starting and finishing at Cheshire


Constabulary Headquarters in Winsford, the charity ride will pass through all nine local policing units, visiting or passing all the major police stations in the county. I have assembled a team of experienced


and skilled riders (of which I am not one—just a man with a desire to create change), including Police Inspectors (retired and serving), Police Sergeants, and a Roads Policing Officer. This will be complemented by a professional, generously provided support vehicle to ensure safety throughout the ride.


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