Thirsk police officer to take part in cycle ride to remember fallen colleagues

A Thirsk-based police officer is to take part in the Police Unity Tour cycling event to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Inspector Denise Wond, who is based at Thirsk and has been a serving officer for 28 years, will set off from York with her fellow riders and support colleagues from Durham, Cleveland, Northumbria and Humberside at 7am on Friday, July 30.

They will be cheered on at the start by supporters including Lisa Winward, the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police.

Following a two-day journey of approximately 180 miles on the saddle, they are due to arrive at the finish line at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire late on Saturday afternoon. 

The following day, Sunday, August 1, there will be a ceremonial procession to the Arboretum with hundreds of other officers from across the UK, to take part in a memorial service with families of fallen officers.

This is the third year that Denise has taken part in the Police Unity Tour, with last year’s event having to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

She is riding in memory of Police Constable Norman Garnham who was killed on duty on March 2, 1977.

The 25-year-old Detective Constable was fatally wounded with a knife while arresting a youth at Skeeby, Richmondshire, late at night after finishing his duty.

Denise said: “It is a great privilege for me to be riding in the Police Unity Tour in memory of a local officer, Norman Garnham.

“I’ve spoken to his family and they feel really pleased and honoured that I’m doing this.   

“Everyone who is taking part in the event is also raising funds for Care of Police Survivors, a UK charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives on duty.

“I will be really grateful for any offers of sponsorship for this very important charity which provides an incredible service to bereaved families.”

If you would like to sponsor Denise, click here.

More information about the Police Unity Tour is available at www.ukpoliceunitytour.org.