HAMPSHIRE police officers have set off on a 220-mile bike ride for colleagues who died in the line of duty.
In a bid to raise funds for the families of fallen officers, Hampshire Constabulary are taking part in the UK Police Unity Tour.
Those taking part from Hampshire set off today from the police training headquarters in Netley and aim to complete the challenge on Sunday.
The annual tour is a long-distance ride that sees hundreds of cyclists converge on the UK Police Memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Each rider cycles in memory of an individual officer who has died in the line of duty.
It also raises funds for Care of Police Survivors, a charity which supports the families left behind.
A total of 25 cyclists from Hampshire are taking part, including Martin Wiltshire, whose dad Malcolm died in a light aircraft crash while on duty in 1985.
Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs will be taking part in the event this year for the first time.
He said: “This is a very special event close to many of our hearts. I’m proud to ride in memory of all the fallen officers and to raise awareness for the amazing work that COPS does in supporting their bereaved families.
“I am proud to ride in honour of PC Jeffrey Whitcombe, who died on duty on 25 February 1987.
“There are so many families left behind by tragedies like this, which is why I’m honoured to be taking on this challenge with my colleagues.
“Please donate if you are able to.
"This challenge is not about any of us riders, it’s for the families of the colleagues we’ve lost serving our communities. We serve and ride for them.”
Hampshire Police Federation chair Zoe Wakefield will be cycling for the third time, this year in remembrance of Hampshire PC James Drew who died in a collision in 2009, when he was just 27 years old.
Zoe said: "COPS is an amazing charity that provides so much support to families of fallen officers.
“Cycling this tour is a way for us all to remember those fallen officers, and raise money for a very worthwhile charity.
“It is a tough three day ride but I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge once again and I can’t wait to get going.”
To donate to the team’s fundraising efforts, please visit www.justgiving.com/team/UKPUT22
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