Milton Keynes police officers taking on cycling challenge for charity that supports police dogs
Two police officers from Milton Keynes are taking on a cycling challenge in aid of a charity that supports retired and working police dogs.
Chloe Probert, 28, and Jake Robinson, 25, who work for the Metropolitan Police, are taking part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride on June 21, in aid of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation.
The couple will be taking part in the 55-mile ride and are aiming to finish the course in under four hours.
Chloe said: “We’ve always been reliant on the police dogs to help us, and the work they do is phenomenal.
“We decided to sign up to the London to Brighton bike ride to raise money for the Thin Blue Paw Foundation because we’re tired of police dogs putting their lives on the line, helping us day in and day out, and not being rewarded enough.
“Our jobs would be much harder without the dog section and we feel this is our chance to give something back.”
After failing to secure places in the London Marathon, the couple instead opted to take part in the cycle ride as their first fundraising event.
A fundraising page set up towards the challenge has already surpassed its target, raising £565 at the time of writing.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was launched in 2020 and has already helped more than 150 retired police dogs, covering £330,000 worth of veterinary and rehabilitation care.
The charity’s founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “Taking on this cycling challenge is no mean feat and we feel honoured that Chloe and Jake have chosen to do it on behalf of our foundation, so we can help more retired police dogs.
“Police dogs do an incredible job helping our police officers fight crime and keeping their communities safe.
“But this job takes a toll on their bodies and, sadly, when they retire they can have painful conditions and degenerative health issues as a result.
“We pledge to be there for these dogs, and their owners, to ensure they get access to the best vet care, medication and rehabilitative therapies so they can have long, happy and healthy retirements. It’s the least they deserve!”