Birthday boy Joshua completes 100-mile cycle for police charity

A RINGWOOD boy will celebrate turning seven today (Friday) by finishing a 100-mile fundraising ride for a charity which supports families of police officers who die in the line of duty.

Joshua Cook is pedalling for UK Care of Police Survivors, a cause close to his heart since his dad Andrew is a Metropolitan Police officer and has seen up close the devastating effect caused to those left behind when a colleague loses their life while serving the public.

Andrew and Joshua’s mum Liz – who runs the popular Cook Cakes shop in St Leonards – complete the annual UK Police Unity Tour for the cause.

This year it was cancelled due to Covid, so Joshua took up the mantle and his challenge has covered routes in and around Ringwood this week.

Joshua, who is set to attend Poulner Junior School, has already raised over £500 and been well supported by the Ringwood cycle outlet Café Velo.

It has arranged for other riders to accompany Joshua when he completes the final leg today by pedalling to the café at around 11am.

Andrew said: “We are so proud of Joshua for his efforts riding and fundraising. He has really thrown himself into this challenge and knows how much this charity means to me and my colleagues.”

To sponsor Joshua visit his fundraising page.