On July 26th, I will be participating in the Police Unity Tour to raise funds for COPS, a charity supporting families of police officers who have died in the line of duty. The ride will begin in Wakefield and concludes at the National Memorial Arboretum, a national site of remembrance in Lichfield, Staffordshire to coincide with The Care of Police Survivors Annual Service of Remembrance.

On the 10th October 2007, my world was turned upside down when my dad was taken from me. On his way to work to report on duty at West Yorkshire Police, he was tragically killed by a reckless driver. I could write a book about how much this impacted my life, the struggles I’ve gone through, how much he is loved and missed and how it actually never gets any easier. You don’t move on, you just move forward. However, without the support from COPS this would have been much harder. There’s a lot to be said for being around people who have been through the same as you. Whilst grief is never easy, attending the events organised by COPS and making friends for life has really been a lifeline for myself and others.

Each year, the Police Unity Tour rides in memory of fallen officers, which has meant a lot to me. However, I felt guilty for not riding for my dad myself. This year, I will ride approximately 200 miles over three days to honour him. It won't be easy, but it's for a worthy cause. Myself and other survivors would greatly appreciate even the smallest donations.