In a first of its kind event, a group of around 35 cyclists representing Dyfed-Powys Police will ride 75 hilly miles across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire - taking in the likes of Tenby and Newgale - to raise money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

On Wednesday, May 6 the riders will follow a route which begins in Fishguard, north Pembrokeshire and takes them to Tenby, in south Pembrokeshire, and eventually finishes at police headquarters in Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire. It is estimated to take between eight and 11 hours to complete.

As well as fundraising for COPS, the event, known as ‘The Chief’s Tour’, will also commemorate police officers and police staff who have died while serving within Dyfed-Powys Police.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “This event is a moment for communities, Dyfed-Powys Police, and families to come together to remember officers and staff whose lives were sadly cut short – and ensure their memory lives on.”

There are several scheduled stops along the way where the cyclists will join bereaved families to commemorate their loved ones, including (all times are approximate):

  • St Mary’s Church, Fishguard (8am)
  • Newgale beach, Newgale (9.40am)
  • Narberth Road layby, Tenby (1.45pm)
  • Cana Cemetary, Banc-y-felin, Carmarthenshire (4.05pm)

“It would be fantastic to see people showing their support along the route, and we welcome cyclists to join us along the way,” he continued.

The tour is aiming to raise £1,000 for COPS, a UK charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers and police staff who have lost their lives on duty to rebuild their lives. The charity aims to ensure that surviving family members have the help they need to cope with such tragedy and they remain part of the police family.

“It was important to me to build moments of reflection into the route to make sure we remember the Dyfed-Powys Police officers who never made it home,” added Chief Constable Charles.

“Each name we reflect upon represents dedication, courage, and the highest standard of service to the public. They remind us of what it means to put the safety of others before our own, and of the risks inherent in the oath police officers take.”

So far, more than £600 has been raised towards the £1000 fundraising goal. Anyone who would like to sponsor the team can do so through their JustGiving page: Dyfed Powys Police Cyclists is fundraising for Care of Police Survivors