“Nobody should ever go to work and not come home”

Nobody should ever go to work and not come home.

PC Jon Henry was murdered whilst on duty on 11 June 2007. I had to pick up his wife and share the devastating news.

It was the hardest jobs I have ever done in my life.

At the time it felt like it took forever, but in reality I don’t think it could have more than a few seconds

It was a day I will never forget.

Following Jon’s death I was in a bubble. The six weeks following the death I remembered every minute so vividly.

Jon’s death had a massive impact on people within the force. However a part of me felt guilty thinking about the effect his death had on me, when his wife Mary had been so strong and brave for everybody.

She helped everyone through it.

Almost 11 years on and I still speak to Mary and her daughter. She’s the only person I’ve ever remained in contact with throughout all of my Family Liaison Officer (FLO) deployments.

I’ve always wanted to do something to raise money in Jon’s honour, so I decided to take part in the Unity Tour. Mary will be supporting us along the way.

PC Sam Sparkes was one of the FLOs who supported the family of PC Jon Henry, who was murdered whilst on duty on 11 June 2007.

Sam is one of 12 officers taking part in a 180 mile bike ride on 27 July in memory of PC Henry.

Starting at The Mall in London, the team will be escorted past Parliament by police motorbikes to mark the beginning of this year’s UK Police Unity Tour – ‘riding for those who died’.

Officers from forces across the country will be cycling to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to pay their respects to those officers who are no longer with us.

You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samsparkes999