Well it is all over. After 5 weeks of preparation and fundraising it was time for the final ride to take place from Derby University in Buxton.
The nights stay at the university was extremely comfortable and nothing was too much trouble for the staff, they went out of their way to help us
The cycle clothing was donned for the final time and at 07:30 we were all ready and rode from the University around to Buxton Police Station where we were met with 70+ riders all ready to join us, in the final push to the Greater Manchester Headquarters. It was amazing to see the number of people who had turned out to join us and was something we were not expecting.
The nights stay at the university was extremely comfortable and nothing was too much trouble for the staff, they went out of their way to help us
The cycle clothing was donned for the final time and at 07:30 we were all ready and rode from the University around to Buxton Police Station where we were met with 70+ riders all ready to join us, in the final push to the Greater Manchester Headquarters. It was amazing to see the number of people who had turned out to join us and was something we were not expecting.
Following a quick briefing we were ready to head off. It was an amazing site to cycle off followed by the 70+ riders who had given up their own time to join us
We made our way out of Buxton and were again confronted with some hills that a few days before may have seemed ok, but with tired legs and aching bodies they seemed like mountains, but we all pushed through with words of encouragement from our fellow riders. Having come out of the Valley, what a sight we were confronted with, the slopes leading down the side of the hills down towards Manchester, however the gale force winds that came with it was not that much fun.
We got all the way through and having mended a puncture on route one of the GMP Race Team Riders along with a colleague took to the head of the pack and paced us to make sure that we arrived on time at the headquarters.
The ride went forward at a nice comfortable pace and we were able to have a chat with colleagues and other members of the public who had joined the ride, until we were all called to the front for the final few corners.
Everyone one of us felt emotional as we rounded the final corner in a line to tackle the final short hill to GMP Headquarters
We got all the way through and having mended a puncture on route one of the GMP Race Team Riders along with a colleague took to the head of the pack and paced us to make sure that we arrived on time at the headquarters.
The ride went forward at a nice comfortable pace and we were able to have a chat with colleagues and other members of the public who had joined the ride, until we were all called to the front for the final few corners.
Everyone one of us felt emotional as we rounded the final corner in a line to tackle the final short hill to GMP Headquarters
The response we received was amazing, there was a crowd outside the Police Headquarters all clapping and willing us on to the finish line and camera's everywhere. Having finished we were humbled when the parents of Fiona and Nicola came over to thank us for our efforts, and myself and Mark along with the rest of the team were struggling not to break down, we were so proud of what we had achieved and the support we had received, and knowing that we were able to hand over a cheque for £6000 brought everything home.
having spoken to a couple of news crews, we then made our way inside to a presentation and speeches., and we again had the opportunity to speak to the families and the colleagues who had ridden with us on the final stage.
Our giant cheque was handed over and we presented the Assistant Chief Constable with a Metropolitan Police Plaque in remembrance of the ride.
We had representatives from the North West Benevolent Fund who have carried out the organisation from the GMP end and supported us throughout, they have been a real life saver. We were handed wristbands in memory of Fiona and Nicola which we are all proudly wearing.
A quick shower and into No. 1 Uniform and we were taken to the Greater Manchester Police Museum, and wow, what a time we had there. We were given a guided tour through the museum by Ron who's knowledge is second to none and to hear the history of GMP and Police in general, as well as look around the old Police Station was a real treat, i have never been to a place like it. It is nice to see that some Police History lives on, it is well worth a visit.
having spoken to a couple of news crews, we then made our way inside to a presentation and speeches., and we again had the opportunity to speak to the families and the colleagues who had ridden with us on the final stage.
Our giant cheque was handed over and we presented the Assistant Chief Constable with a Metropolitan Police Plaque in remembrance of the ride.
We had representatives from the North West Benevolent Fund who have carried out the organisation from the GMP end and supported us throughout, they have been a real life saver. We were handed wristbands in memory of Fiona and Nicola which we are all proudly wearing.
A quick shower and into No. 1 Uniform and we were taken to the Greater Manchester Police Museum, and wow, what a time we had there. We were given a guided tour through the museum by Ron who's knowledge is second to none and to hear the history of GMP and Police in general, as well as look around the old Police Station was a real treat, i have never been to a place like it. It is nice to see that some Police History lives on, it is well worth a visit.
Following our museum visit we were then taken on a tour of Manchester before going to Sedgley Park to lay some flowers and cards at the Police Memorial, here emotions were high and thoughts with all of our extended family, friends and colleagues
We also had the opportunity to present Vicky with the Metropolitan Police Beat Duty Helmet she had asked for, which was an honour
This has been an emotional trip organised over a short amount of time. We are extremely proud to have been able to raise the £6000 for the North West Police Benevolent Fund and show our support to our colleagues and their families, and we thank everyone who has assisted us along the way, whether it be by donations, clothing supplies, food, accommodation e.t.c we could not have done it without you
THANK YOU
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