Chief Constable Frank Whitely of Hertfordshire Constabulary is joined forces with 114 other police officers and staff to take part in a charity ‘spinathon’ for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS).

Taking place on February 3 in Welwyn Garden City, Mr Whitely took part in the 30 minue spinning session, which require participants to ride a stationary bike.

Chief Constable Frank Whiteley said: “My 30 minutes in the saddle seemed considerably longer, but I was delighted to join in and to see such a large group of colleagues supporting this event. As a police family, we are all committed to ensuring that those loved ones who are left behind when an officer dies on duty are provided with the emotional and practical support they need and COPS has a key role to play. I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone who took part and thank everyone who contributed so generously to the fundraising total.”

The COPS charity helps families of police officers who die in the line of duty, and comprises survivors from around the UK who are willing to assist others in a practical way.

PC Jacqueline Barber has had regular contact with COPS since her fiancé PC Kevin Church died in a motorcycle collision whilst on duty in Redbourn in 2005. She commented: “COPS has been a great source of support to me in that it is run by people who, having been affected by similar tragedies, fully understand what it takes to rebuild lives after such a trauma. Everyone at COPS is very grateful to Hertfordshire Constabulary for their support through this spinathon event.”

The fundraising total so far, with contributions still coming in, stands at £1,500. You can add further contributions at www.justgiving.com/veronica-singleton