This year’s police unity tour is on the road!

North Yorkshire Police is supporting PC Josh Snaith and Sergeant Marie Williams, who are riding in memory of two of the force’s fallen officers at this year's UK Police Unity Tour.

Along with colleagues from The North East Chapter, this morning (Friday 28 July 2023) the group of cyclists set off from Fulford Road police station in York on a 180-mile cycle ride to the UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. A crowd of supporters which included police officers, staff and the force's Chief Constable Lisa Winward joined the group on the start line to cheer them on their way.

Josh is riding in memory of PC Andrew Bramma who died on duty in January 2013 and Marie is riding in memory of PC Norman Garnham who was murdered in 1977 while driving home from work.

This is the timeline for the event…

Today  - 94 miles: Start 8am, Fulford Road  28 July, cycling through Tadcaster and Selby and finishing at Worksop

Tomorrow - 71 miles: Worksop to Tamworth 

Sunday  - 9 miles: Tamworth to the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas, Staffordshire 

The UK Police Unity Tour is in its 11^th year and the aim of it is to raise awareness and honour police officers who have died on duty whilst raising money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

Riders cycle approximately 180 miles, the majority of which are on Friday and Saturday, arriving at the National Police Memorial Arboretum on Sunday to coincide with the COPS' annual service of remembrance.

Every rider from each chapter around the country meets and cycles into the Arboretum in procession prior to the service. They are escorted in by members of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Group.

The North East Chapter includes riders from North Yorkshire Police, Cleveland, Humberside, Durham and South Yorkshire.