Stuart Clarkson

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Perrie

Tears

Listen Live

Tour de Aky to return this weekend in memory of much-loved police officer

Friday, 12 July 2024 07:36

The Tour de Aky is back this weekend, fundraising for three charities.

The annual Tour de Aky is back tomorrow (Saturday) in memory of a North Yorkshire Police officer who took his own life.

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

Mick sadly took his own life in 2018 following struggles with his mental health.

Pierre has been organising the Tour de Aky every year since, cycling 106.6 miles as a nod to Aky’s collar number.

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

And this year, Your Harrogate is proud to be sponsoring the shirts that participants will be wearing for the event tomorrow (13th July).

The Tour de Aky 2024 will be again be fundraising for MIND, Andy’s Man Club and Yorkshire Air Ambulance after raising more than £10,000 for the charities in 2023.

The route will start in Woodlesford, the village where Aky grew up, and includes a visit to Your Harrogate’s studio before moving on to York Police Station.

Organiser Pierre Olesqui told Your Harrogate:

“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.”

Pierre 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

Man arrested after stabbing threat at Harrogate Morrisons

A man has been arrested following a robbery at Morrisons Daily on King Edward’s Drive in Harrogate.
Pavements near Royal Pump Room given a deep clean

The pavements behind Harrogate’s Royal Pump Room have been given a deep clean by one of Harrogate BID's Street Rangers.
Harrogate pub manager to take on Everest trek for hospitality charity

The manager of a popular Harrogate pub is preparing for a 19-day trek to Everest Base Camp to fundraise for a charity that supported her.
Harewood House unveils new Elf Village for Christmas

Harewood House has revealed plans for a new immersive Elf Village as part of its Christmas celebrations.
Harrogate cyclists conquer Pyrenees challenge in twin town

Ten Harrogate cyclists have conquered a gruelling challenge in the French Pyrenees while representing the town in Bagnères-de-Luchon.
William and Victoria appeals for help after chairs taken from restaurant

A Harrogate restaurant is appealing for information after eight chairs worth £680 were allegedly taken from its premises without permission.
Former Leeds United star Ross McCormack joins Knaresborough Town

A former Leeds United star and Championship top scorer has joined Knaresborough Town - with the club hoping his arrival can help take them to the 'next level'.
Council rejects rumours that housing for the homeless would accommodate asylum seekers

North Yorkshire Council has rejected claims circulating on social media that more than 100 homes being acquired under a council housing programme are intended for asylum seekers.
Ripon gritter manufacturer invests £1.1m in new laser cutter

Ripon-based Econ Engineering has invested £1.1m in a new laser cutting machine at its manufacturing headquarters.
Northern expands mobility scooter access across its train fleet

Passengers using mobility scooters across North Yorkshire will now be able to travel on every type of train in Northern’s fleet, provided they have a free permit and their scooter meets the relevant requirements.
Plans unveiled for up to 53 homes at Hornbeam Park

Plans for up to 53 homes on land beside the Hornbeam Park Estate have been opened for public consultation.
Grantley Hall boss named General Manager of the Year

Grantley Hall’s General Manager has won a national hospitality award, three years after taking charge of the Ripon hotel.
Harrogate buses join fight against town centre crime

The Harrogate Bus Company has joined a town centre network that allows businesses to share reports of crime and antisocial behaviour.
Harrogate actor wins festival award after brain surgery

A Harrogate actor has won a theatre festival award after fearing she might never be able to learn lines again following brain surgery.
Knaresborough pub goes up for sale - but cannot reopen

A former Knaresborough pub has gone up for sale - with a condition that it cannot reopen as a pub.
Children's boutique and art gallery opens in Knaresborough

A new children's boutique with an in-store art gallery has opened on Knaresborough High Street.
Police issue update on body found in Ripon Canal

The family of a man found dead in the Ripon Canal on Sunday morning has now been informed, North Yorkshire Police has confirmed.
Retiring North Yorkshire Council chief executive gets pay package of almost £245,000

North Yorkshire Council's retiring chief executive received a total pay package worth almost £245,000 during the last financial year, new figures show.
Harrogate Paralympian challenges controversial Sydney Sweeney sports advert

Harrogate para powerlifter Lottie McGuinness has appeared on CNN to speak out about a controversial advert featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
150 homes planned for green belt land near Harrogate

Plans for up to 150 new homes in green belt land near Harrogate would help address a severe shortage of housing in the area, according to the developer behind the scheme.