A POLICE helicopter will follow the funeral cortege of a police officer from Wrexham.

Three cyclists, who completed a gruelling 800 mile bike ride, to help raise funds for cancer treatment for Gareth James, 50, will head out in front of the hearse tomorrow (Thursday, December 21).

The trio were colleagues of Mr James in the National Police Air Service (NPAS).

Before that the Wrexham resident had served as a police officer for Cheshire Police.

Representatives from North Wales Police, Cheshire Police and NPAS will be present at the funeral service at Pentrebychan Crematorium from 3pm.

Mr James' helicopter helmet and police hat will be placed on the coffin, along with a Cheshire Police flag.

PC James was part of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and on Saturday, September 2, three of his fellow Tactical Flight Officers, PC Phil Perkins (Greater Manchester Police), PC Mike Dutton (Merseyside Police) and PC Anna Reid (Cheshire Constabulary) began their nine-day journey from NPAS's Barton base, in Manchester.

The three officers cycled on their rest days and called in at every NPAS base across England and Wales during the challenge.

Accompanied by Merseyside Police officer Liam Phillips in the support vehicle, they raised urgent funds for colleague Gareth’s cancer treatment.

Sadly Mr James' lost his almost three year battle with cancer on December 4.

His family are asking mourners to donate to Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham instead of family flowers.

One of the bedrooms at the hospice will be named Jasmine, at the request of Mr James, after his family donated money to the vital facility.

Jasmine was one of the police officer's favourite flowers.

If you would like to donate in memory of Mr James follow the link here.

Speaking to Leader earlier this year about his battle with cancer and bid to raise money for treatment, the keen cyclist, said: "I am convinced that had I had earlier intervention my cancer would not have progressed as far as it had – an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure after all.

"I had been going to the doctors with an upset stomach for almost two years before being diagnosed.

"By the time it was picked up, the bowel cancer had spread to my liver, meaning it was very difficult to treat. 

"if you notice any changes in bowel habit, or suffer with an upset stomach etc, don't ignore it, go to the doctors to get a check up or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/

“I want to spread the message that you need to get checked out if you’re worried and don’t take no for an answer.

“My own journey has shown me that by simple lifestyle changes almost anyone can benefit their health and wellbeing and potentially prevent many chronic diseases occurring in the first place.”