Alex Cann

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Email the studio

Gala

Freed From Desire

Listen Live Podcasts

How to support this year's Tour de Aky event

Saturday, 13 July 2024 07:00

Neil Garrett and Pierre Olesqui (left) are fundraising in memory of PC Mick 'Aky' Atkinson.

The annual Tour de Aky returns to the local area today (Saturday) to fundraise for three local charities.

The event was launched in 2019 by PC Pierre Olesqui in memory of his best friend and police colleague PC Mick ‘Aky’ Atkinson, who sadly took his own life.

Every year since, the Tour de Aky sees a group of charitable fundraisers cycle 106.6 miles - a nod to Aky’s collar number.

To date, the event has raised more than £76,000 for various charities.

And this year, The Tour de Aky 2024 will be fundraising for MIND, Andy’s Man Club and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

As many as 124 riders are expected at this year's event.

They'll set off from Woodlesford - where Aky grew up - before making stops at Elland Road, Headingley Stadium, Leathley Farm Shop, Your Harrogate HQ (Hornbeam Park), Long Marston and York Police Station.

It's expected to finish at around 3:45pm.

Speaking about his friend, Pierre said:

“Aky was a police dog handler and a massive personality. I just wanted to remember and honour him.

“We go to locations that had importance to him. This year includes Elland Road - he was a massive Leeds fan - Headingley Stadium, his school, family home and police stations he worked at."

He added:

“The basis of it is about mental health and talking.

“If you’re on a bike for eight hours, I challenge anyone to not talk! “The slogan ‘it’s okay to not be okay’ but the ride is only successful because of the support we’ve received.”

If you’d like to support the Tour de Aky 2024, donate via the GoFundMe page or find out more on Facebook here.

More from Local News

Light up a Life service returns to children's hospice

People from across the Harrogate district are being invited to join Martin House Children’s Hospice for its Light up a Life service next month.
Ripon Food and Gift Fair to return tomorrow

Ripon’s annual Christmas Food and Gift Fair returns to the city's cathedral tomorrow (Friday).
Roads around Ripon market square to reopen following resurfacing

The roads around Ripon's Market Square are reopening today (Thursday) following resurfacing work.
Italian restaurant in Harrogate named among UK's top 100

An Italian restaurant in Harrogate town centre has been named among the best in the UK.
Trains struck 97 objects in past year – with some items 'deliberately' placed on tracks

Northern services across the North struck 97 objects in the past year, with some items 'deliberately' placed on the track.
Ripon businesses set to host late night shopping event

A number of businesses across Ripon are hosting a late night shopping event next week.
Harrogate woman with MND creates charity recipe calendar

A Harrogate resident living with motor neurone disease (MND) has created a recipe calendar to fundraise for charity.
How Harrogate health and wellbeing services have helped transform lives

Customers of one of Harrogate's three community-based leisure hubs have spoken of the diverse range of classes which are helping their health and wellbeing.
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival to return to Ripley for sixth year

The ever-popular Harrogate Food and Drink Festival will be returning to Ripley for a sixth year, organisers have confirmed.
New denture clinic opens in Harrogate

A new denture clinic has opened on Otley Road in Harrogate.
Harrogate groups granted share of Harrogate Rotary legacy fund

Charities and community groups from across the Harrogate district have been awarded a series of grants as part of the Brigantes Rotary Legacy Fund.
Harrogate Neighbours annual ball raises over £19,000

Harrogate Neighbours has raised thousands of pounds following its seventh annual charity ball.
Harrogate street rangers cover 5,000 square metres with deep cleans

Harrogate BID's street rangers have now deep cleaned more than 5,000 square metres of the town as part of their mission to keep it "safe, clean and welcoming for all."
Former Harrogate teacher to officiate student's big day

A former St Aidan's teacher is set to take on a unique role in the life of one of her past pupils - not as an educator, but as the celebrant for their wedding.
Lauren Doherty educates pupils on road safety as part of national campaign

Knaresborough's Lauren Doherty BEM BCAv has been sharing her road safety message with local pupils as part of Brake's National Road Safety Week.
Harrogate's Rachel Daly scores 50th goal for Aston Villa

Harrogate’s Rachel Daly has reached a major goalscoring milestone after scoring her 50th goal for Aston Villa Women.
Ready, Steady, Cook competition raises £6,000 for children’s cancer

A Ready Steady Cook-themed competition has raised more than £6,150 for a children’s cancer charity.
Police search for man following shop theft in Bilton

Police have issued CCTV image of a man they’d like to speak to following a shop theft in Harrogate.
Harrogate hotel's loos inspire artists' exhibition

An exciting new exhibition which flushes away the norms of traditional art is being showcased in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP opens 2,500th case since taking office

Local MP Tom Gordon has reached a major milestone just four months after taking office.