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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.

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