A childhood dream

Michael Atkinson, affectionately known as “Aky” or simply “Mick” to those closest to him, was a much-loved son, father, friend and dedicated North Yorkshire Police officer whose passion for policing began when he was just a young boy.

At the age of seven or eight, Michael watched a television news report about a man who had been brutally attacked. Deeply affected by what he had seen, he turned to his family and declared that he wanted to become a police officer so he could stop bad people from hurting others.

It was more than a childhood ambition. It became his life's calling.

A career dedicated to protecting others

Michael joined North Yorkshire Police on 19th June 2001, aged 19, beginning his career in Scarborough. He had always loved dogs and dreamed of becoming a police dog handler. He eventually achieved that ambition, joining the dog section and transferring to York, where he spent the remainder of his policing career.

Throughout his service, Michael earned commendations for his bravery and for saving lives. On one occasion, he risked his own safety to prevent a man from falling from Scarborough Bridge. On another, he helped save someone in dangerous conditions near cliffs.

His mum, Bev, recalls being told by one of his colleagues:

“When we knew Mick was on the way, we knew that we were fine.”

Those words capture the confidence his fellow officers had in him. Michael was someone people could depend on when things were at their worst.

The man behind the uniform

But policing was only part of who he was.

Away from the uniform, Michael was a devoted family man with an unmistakable personality, a wickedly dark sense of humour and an ability to make people laugh. He was down-to-earth, generous with his time and always willing to help someone.

He also had a sense of adventure. At 18, he travelled to Tenerife intending to spend a fortnight helping a friend in a bar. He ended up staying for eight months.

His policing career brought its own memorable moments, including working alongside police dogs during security searches at York Minster for royal visits. On one occasion, his dog Ronnie, a springer spaniel, chose a newly laid red carpet for an unfortunately timed toilet break. Michael was mortified, but it became another of the stories his family could look back on with a smile.

When the job took its toll

Michael loved his work, but years of physically demanding duties took their toll. Repeated injuries to his knees and ankles led to several operations. For someone whose identity was so closely connected to being an operational police officer and dog handler, the prospect of returning to an office-based role was particularly difficult.

On 7 October 2016, Michael tragically died by suicide.

He left behind a family who adored him, including his young daughter Elizabeth, who was just six months old at the time.

A life that touched so many

His death devastated his family, friends and colleagues. More than 1,000 people attended his funeral and the gatherings that followed, a reflection of the enormous number of lives he had touched. Officers from other forces helped provide cover so that his North Yorkshire colleagues could attend and pay their respects.

His friends have continued to honour his memory through extraordinary fundraising and physical challenges, ensuring that Michael's name and the friendships he inspired live on.

Tour de Aky – Keeping Michael's memory alive

In memory of Michael “Aky” Atkinson, his friends established Tour de Aky, an annual cycling challenge covering 106.6 miles.

What began as a way of remembering a much-loved friend has grown into an enduring tribute, bringing people together through cycling, golf events and other fundraising challenges. A junior cycling event, covering 10.6 miles, also allows younger participants to take part.

According to Michael's mum, Bev, these events and other extraordinary challenges undertaken in his memory have raised approximately £115,000 for charity.

Tour de Aky is more than a fundraising event. It is a testament to the friendships Michael built, the lives he touched and the determination of those closest to him to ensure that his name is never forgotten.

A mother's memories

For his mum, Bev, the passing years have done little to diminish the loss. She remembers a son who would telephone her after difficult shifts, no matter how late, both to reassure her that he was safe and to talk through what he had experienced.

Above all, she wants people to remember Michael for the person he was, rather than the way he died.

He was a police officer who saved lives, a colleague others trusted, a loyal friend, a loving father and a treasured son.

As Bev explained when discussing his funeral, the family did not want the pomp and ceremony of a traditional police funeral.

“That didn't define him; it was Mick. It was Mick first.”

And that is how Michael “Aky” Atkinson deserves to be remembered.