Care of Police Survivors (otherwise known as COPS) is a UK-registered charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives whilst on duty. We aim to ensure that survivors have all the help they need to cope with such a tragedy and that they remain part of the police family as they rebuild their lives.
Only another survivor can fully understand what new survivors endure, that shared experience is the basis for our peer support programme.
COPS enables survivors to help survivors, but the extent of help provided will always be controlled by the new survivor. Sometimes an understanding listener is needed. Sometimes more practical help is required. Whatever the need, COPS will be able to put survivors in touch with those who truly understand.
COPS is independent of the police service and was founded in March 2003 by Jim McNulty and Christine Fulton (MBE). Jim was a retired police officer from Strathclyde Police.
Christine is the widow of PC Lewis Fulton who was murdered on duty in Glasgow in 1994.
Christine's experience of that tragedy gave her a unique understanding of the overwhelming grief and confusion that is encountered by new survivors. COPS makes contact with the survivors of every officer who loses their life on duty, explaining what COPS do and inviting them to make contact when they are ready for such support.
The remembrance service is open to everyone. Serving officers may wish to attend in uniform however this is not compulsory.
Each member, whether a participating rider or support staff, must pay £180 to register. This is a non-refundable deposit paid at the time of completing the online booking.
In addition, each rider commits to raising a minimum of £400 sponsorship for Care of Police Survivors.
Care of Police Survivors have announced that their 2023 Memorial Service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire on Sunday 30th July 2023
Therefore the UK Police Unity Tour, now in its eleventh year, will start on Friday, 28th July 2023 from North Yorkshire Police - Fulford Road Police Station, York and arrive at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire to coincide with the memorial service.
Route lengths can vary according to which local Chapter you will be riding with.
The route will normally consist of around 180 miles, the majority of which will be completed on the Friday and Saturday of the Police Unity Tour
Membership is open to Police Officers (serving, retired or specials) or from the extended police family (PCSOs, Police Staff or DDOs etc). Applications from the wider Police family (CPS etc) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participants must be 18 years and older.
UK PUT may choose to accept an immediate survivor of a police officer killed in the line of duty to participate as a rider if they meet all other criteria. Support team members may be non-police personnel and are typically police staff, family or trusted friends.
No one who is under suspension (with or without pay), under criminal investigation or subject to any other disciplinary procedures may participate.
All applicants MUST abide by the Police Code of Conduct and Regulations, the policies and the rules of the UK Police Unity Tour.
The registration fee will be used to offset the cost of two nights of hotel accommodation, transportation and one UK Police Unity Tour jersey.
We ride in memory of colleagues from across our North East forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Each link below takes you to the official Police Roll of Honour Trust page for that force, where their names and stories are remembered with dignity and respect.
We know that not everybody will be able to ride, However, if you wish to donate to the Team page please click the button to show your support or to read our story and see how we are progressing
Thank you for your support.
Please Donate
We know that not everybody will be able to ride, However, if you wish to donate to the Team page please click the button to show your support or to read our story and see how we are progressing
A BSI (Kite Mark) certified helmet which must be worn at all times whilst riding
Suitable gloves and glasses, if preferred
Black cycling shorts for uniformity.
GET INVOLVED
Register for the Police Unity Tour
The UK Police Unity Tour 2026 - Now in its 14th year
The Tour will take place from Friday, 7th August - Sunday, 9th August 2026.
Want to Ride
Please complete the form by clicking below if you wish to register for the ride in 2026.
Join The Support Team
Not able to ride but still want to be part of the tour? Become one of our amazing support team members and experience every twist and turn of the journey alongside the riders Contact us here
The same criteria apply to support team members as riders - So please check our FAQs before applying to ensure you are eligible.
Like riders, each support team member is asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of £180, which covers:
Two nights’ hotel accommodation
Transport throughout the event
Please note: If you don’t already have a blue tour jersey (introduced in 2024), you’ll need to purchase one at an additional cost of £32.04 + delivery.
Next Steps
To register as a rider, please click below and complete the initial form.
To register interest as a support team member, please contact us via thecontact form
Each member will be responsible for their own training. A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate and if you have any concerns then please seek the advice of your GP before commencing training. The route is approx 180 miles over 3 days (The first two days are 60-90 miles and the third day is a leisurely 10 miles.) The route is undulating in places. The tour will ride as a group and at the speed will average 12-18 mph.
Frequently asked questions
Who can join the Police Unity Tour?
Membership is open to:
Police Officers (serving, retired or special Constables)
The wider Police family (PCSOs, Police Staff or DDOs etc).
Applications from other associated organisations (e.g. CPS) may be considered on a case by case basis.
Participants must be 18 years and older.
In some circumstances, UK PUT may allow an immediate survivor of a police officer killed in the line of duty to ride, provided all other criteria are met.
Support team membership is also open to non-police personnel usually drawn from police staff, family or trusted friends.
Anyone suspended (with or without pay), under criminal investigation or subject to any other disciplinary proceedings cannot take part.
All members MUST abide by the Police Code of Conduct and Regulations, as well as the policies and the rules of the UK Police Unity Tour.
Where does my registration fee go?
Your registration fee helps cover the cost of two nights’ hotel accommodation and transportation.
When does the ride take place?
The Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Memorial Service will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, on Sunday 9th August 2026.
To coincide with this, the 14th UK Police Unity Tour will begin on Friday 7th August 2026 from Humberside Police HQ and conclude at the Arboretum in time for the service.
What is the cost to take part?
Registration is £180 per person (rider or support team), payable as a non-refundable deposit when completing the online booking.
If you wish to be part of the support team, please contact us by the contact form below.
Riders are also required to raise a minimum of £400 in sponsorship for Care of Police Survivors (COPS).
What equipment do I need to take part?
A quality road or hybrid bicycle is recommended.
A BSI (Kite Mark) approved helmet which must be worn at all times whilst riding
Suitable gloves and glasses,(optional but advised)
Black cycling shorts for uniformity.
How long is the route?
The distance depends on the Chapter you ride with, but it is typically around 180 miles. Most of this will be covered on the Friday and Saturday of the Police Unity Tour.
Can friends and family attend the service?
Yes — the remembrance service is open to all. Serving officers are welcome to attend in uniform, though this is entirely optional.
How fit do I need to be, and is training provided?
Riders are responsible for their own training, and a reasonable level of fitness is needed to take part. If you’re unsure, please seek advice from your GP before beginning a training plan.
The route covers around 180 miles over three days, typically 80–100 miles on Friday and Saturday, followed by a more relaxed 10-mile ride on Sunday. The terrain is undulating in places, and the group will ride together at an average pace of 12–18 mph.
The UK Police Unity Tour is not a race or sportive. We ride as one team, supporting and encouraging riders of all abilities throughout the journey.
Set up your JustGiving page
Every rider must create their own JustGiving fundraising page before registering for the UK Police Unity Tour 2026.
Once your page is live, you’ll be ready to complete your registration.
FAQs
Sponsor the North East Chapter
The UK Police Unity Tour North East Chapter rides in honour of fallen colleagues, raising vital funds for Care of Police Survivors (COPS). Our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters and partners.
If your company or organisation would like to get involved, through sponsorship, we’d love to hear from you.
Simply reach out via our Contact page and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss opportunities. As a thank you, sponsors may be recognised on our website, social media, and event materials for standing with us as we ride for those who died.
Find us on Social Media
Contact Us
The UK Police Unity Tour raises money for the Charity Care Of Police Survivors, registered 1101478 (England & Wales) / sco038541 (Scotland)
