A GROUP of North Wales Police officers and staff will be taking part in a 220 mile charity bike ride this weekend raising money for COPS (Care of Police Survivors).

Between Friday and Sunday (July 26-28) 21 members of the force will be cycling and supporting, from Police Headquarters in Colwyn Bay to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire as part of the 2019 COPS annual ‘Unity Tour’ ride.

COPS is a UK registered charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, rebuild their lives. It aims 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.

The Police Unity Tour began in New Jersey, United States in 1997 to raise awareness for officers killed in the line of duty, honour their sacrifices and raise funds for families.

Chief Inspector Owain Llewellyn, who is taking part in the tour said: "This will be the second year that North Wales Police has been involved in the event and once again we are looking forward to taking part and helping to raise money for a very worthwhile charity.

"Whilst realising the dangers of policing, nobody expects to die in the line of duty. When such a tragedy does occur, the surviving family endures emotions including denial, bewilderment, anger and depression.

"The police service does not have the resources to maintain support for these families beyond the immediate aftermath of death. That is where COPS comes in.

"Each rider will be issued a blue memorial bracelet inscribed with the name and information of a Police Officer who died in the line of duty, which we will carry to the finish line.

"The ride itself consists of over 220 miles over a testing route and will be completed over three days. Day one usually covers 130 - 140 miles and is intended to be difficult for sombre reflection of the ultimate sacrifice given by our fallen colleagues.

"Last year we raised over £2,500 and with additional officers and staff taking part this year we are hoping to raise even more. A number of fund raising events have been held including a static sponsored bike ride, cake sales and yoga.

"It would be fantastic to beat last year’s total – please support us if you can."

At the end of day one the team from North Wales will be joining approximately 60 riders from South Wales Police, Gwent Police and Dyfed Powys Police in the Bromsgrove area. The following day they will travel together onto Nuneaton where they’ll join other police forces from across the UK and the United States and meet the families of colleagues who lost their lives. On the final day they will all ride together to the National Police Arboretum in Staffordshire for a memorial service.