Police Community Mourns ‘True Legend’ Mick ‘Aky’ Atkinson
Tragedy struck on Sunday, 7 October 2018, when PC 1066 Mick ‘Aky’ Atkinson, a beloved North Yorkshire Police officer, took his own life. Aky was more than a colleague — he was family and a larger-than-life friend to all who knew him.
His best mate, PC Pierre Olesqui, pays tribute and shares how Aky’s memory lives on through an incredible mental health initiative.
A Life Remembered
“Aky was loved by so many,” says Pierre. “He was a devoted son to Bev and John, a partner to Kellie, an amazing brother to Ste and Lynsey, a loving stepdad, and had just become a proud father to a beautiful girl.”
Having joined the police in 2001, Aky and Pierre bonded over countless hours supporting their cherished Leeds Rhinos at Headingley. “He was the centre of every party, a celebrity in the stands, always leaving a smile on someone’s face.”
Aky served with North Yorkshire Police for 17 years and spent over a decade as a dog handler — a role he adored but was forced to pause due to injury. In his own words, he was “a true legend.”
From Darkness to Action: The Tour de Aky
Despite the warmhearted image, Aky secretly battled demons none could see. “He was unhappy, but even those closest didn’t know the struggles he faced,” Pierre reveals. His death shocked the force and friends alike.
To honour his memory and break the silence around mental health, Pierre and friends launched Tour de Aky in 2019 — a 106.6-mile cycling challenge echoing Aky’s collar number (1066). The route visits places dear to him: stadiums, family homes, and workplaces.
This year’s ride falls on Saturday 17 July, what would have been Aky’s 40th birthday. It starts at Hunslet Warriors and Elland Road in Leeds, rolling through Kirkby Overblow, York, Selby, Castleford, before returning to Hunslet with a poignant stop at his parents’ home.
Raising Funds, Saving Lives
Tour de Aky isn’t just about remembrance — it’s a rallying call for mental health awareness. To date, the event has raised nearly £40,000, funnelled into life-changing charities like Mind, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
“This is Aky’s legacy,” Pierre says. “He will never be forgotten.”
Time to Talk: Mental Health Awareness Week
The event coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May 2021), a nationwide campaign urging everyone to speak up and support good mental health.
Sergeant Elaine Malcolm of North Yorkshire Police stresses the urgency: “A life is lost to suicide every two hours in the UK. We must end the stigma, talk openly, and support each other.”
If you’re struggling or worried about someone, help is out there. Visit the NHS website for mental health support and remember: It’s okay not to be okay.
Want to support Tour de Aky? Donate here: gofund.me/124371af
