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Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

Tuesday, 21 July 2026 11:40

Participants at Tour de Aky 2026.

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.

The annual campaign, held in memory of the much-loved PC Mick "Aky" Atkinson, concluded on Saturday as 45 cyclists completed the flagship Tour de Aky ride.

The 2026 programme also included the inaugural Tournoi de Aky football tournament, a junior bike ride and a charity golf day, with organisers hoping the combined total will reach £10,000.

The money raised will be shared between Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Andy's Man Club and Menfulness.

Organiser Pierre Olesqui, Aky's former North Yorkshire Police colleague, thanked everyone who had supported this year's events, including participants, volunteers and sponsors.

He said:

"Many thanks to everyone involved, whether you sat on a bike, hit a golf ball or kicked a football, thank you.

"To everyone that has donated anything to the ride - from raffle prizes and supplies to donating time to make things work - thank you.

"Aky was loved by so many and I am proud to help keep his memory alive."

Organisers also thanked volunteers and local businesses including Two Pointers Public House in Woodlesford, Leathley Farm Shop and Hunslet Warriors ARLFC for their support across the events.

Reflecting on the success of the campaign, Pierre added:

"I am proud that the Tour de Aky events are still successful eight years on and that's testament to the guy we do it for.

"Tour de Aky 2026 completed... thank you. Do we go again in 2027?"

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