A HIGH-ranking Rugby policeman will be swapping his handcuffs for handlebars as he undertakes a charity bike-ride to mark his impending retirement.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Jones, formerly the head of Rugby CID and Local Investigations Team, will be cycling from London to Saint Tropez to raise money for Blood Wise and Myton Hospice.
He sets off on the gruelling nine day ride – which will see him cover over 1,000 miles and climb in excess of 67,000 feet – on Sunday (July 17).
Colin, a keen cyclist who has been training for months, said: “I am very sad to be leaving the force, and wanted to do something to mark the occasion which both challenges me personally and gives back to the community.
“We have all known loved ones and colleagues affected by cancer, and these charities are doing fantastic work for causes close to my heart.
“I’m training hard to prepare for the ride, which is going to be both physically and mentally demanding. I would like to thank everyone who has already donated to these great causes.”
Colin joined Warwickshire Police as a uniformed officer at the age of 17. His career, served mainly as a detective, has seen him head up the Rugby CID and Local Investigations Team. He has spent the last three years on secondment with the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard, London, where he has been leading on a variety of business change projects in intelligence.
He added: “Being a police officer is a truly unique profession which presents huge challenges and rewards on a daily basis.
“I have loved every minute of my career with the police and it is an honour to have served a wide variety of communities. I have had the privilege to work with some outstanding individuals and fantastic teams during my time with Warwickshire Police and will miss them all. I have formed both life long friendships and memories.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Colinandalistairtourdefrance to donate to Blood Wise, or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ColinandAlistairsTourdeFrance for Myton Hospice.
