Northumbria Police Federation secretary Neil Watkin will be making his debut at this year’s Police Unity Tour.
Neil will form part of the support team at this year’s event, keeping riders and their bikes safely on the road throughout the three-day tour.
The annual ride honours fallen officers while raising money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a national charity that supports families and loved ones of officers who have died in the line of duty.
And although Neil has been aware of the event for many years and has supported it whenever possible, this will be the first time he has taken part personally – something he says he is both honoured and humbled to do.
Branch secretary Neil Watkin
“I’m really looking forward to being involved,” said Neil, who will be part of Team Northumbria – and part of the wider team, representing the North East Chapter of the UK Police Unity Tour.
This year, the ride carries even greater significance for Team Northumbria following the tragic death of PC Jess Turnbull.
“Having lost one of our own so tragically and recently, the event will come with a whole new level of poignancy for everyone at Northumbria Police,” said Neil.
“It’s going to be a very emotional weekend, particularly on Sunday. It will be a time to reflect and a time to remember for everyone involved, but especially for the families of our fallen officers.”
Police Family
Six riders from Northumbria Police are expected to take part in this year’s tour, joining colleagues from Durham, North Yorkshire, Cleveland and Humberside.
Neil believes the event perfectly demonstrates the strength of the Police Family – while also shining a light on a group that no one ever wants to become part of.
“We talk a lot about the Police Family,” he said. “Sadly, there is another Police Family – the families of officers who have died in service. It’s a family that nobody ever wants to belong to, but sadly, it exists.
“And that’s where COPS come in – the work the charity does to keep those families afloat in some of the darkest times is incredible.
“It brings those families together, provides support when they need it most and helps them through some of the most difficult times imaginable.”
Arboretum
Setting off from Humberside Police HQ tomorrow (Friday 7 August), the team will travel 100 miles to Worksop, before covering a further 80 miles to Tamworth on Saturday.
There, hundreds of participants from across the country meet at Drayton Manor, where the families and loved ones of fallen officers gather for the annual COPS Survivors’ Weekend.
The event ends on Sunday at the COPS Annual Service of Remembrance, which takes place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
And Neil says his recent involvement with Jess’s parents Andy and Janice following the young officer’s death has made this year’s tour feel especially personal.
“During my career I’ve known colleagues who have sadly died while serving, but the level of involvement I’ve had recently with Andy and Janice means this is the first time I’ve been so closely connected to a family affected in this way,” said Neil, adding: “That makes this year’s tour particularly meaningful.”
Unity Tour
Although it will be his first experience of the Police Unity Tour, Neil already knows it will leave a lasting impression.
He said: “I’ve heard so much about it over the years, and I’m aware it’s going to be a very emotional event. Although it’s my first time, I know I’ll feel part of the team from the moment we start, and that feeling will only continue to grow over the following days.”
This year’s riders for Team Northumbria include Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, along with colleagues from all ranks across the Force.
“What’s really reflected in our team is that everyone – whatever your rank – shares the same goal,” said Neil.
He added: “Of course we’re raising awareness and raising money, but more importantly we’re showing our support for the families of fallen officers. That’s what this is really about.”
Ahead of the ride, Northumbria Police Federation’s Group Insurance Scheme has also shown its support by making a donation to Team Northumbria, helping the riders continue their fundraising efforts for COPS and the families it supports.
You can support the team by donating to their JustGiving page here.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to PC Jess Turnbull at UK Police Memorial Service.