Magical: Lighting the flares at 3am standing atop Lingmoor Fell for Light the Lakes 2021
All UK police forces to take part in Light the Lakes
For the very first time every single police force in the UK will be taking part in Light the Lakes.
Light the Lakes 2022 will see thousands of people climb one of the 214 Wainwright fells of Cumbria and light a flare at 3am in honour of fallen colleagues.
This year the fundraising event, sponsored by Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL), takes place on 17 and 18 June.
It will mark the 10th anniversary of this incredible event.
Light the Lakes organiser Vinny Wagijani, said it will be something special.
“For the first time we have 44 forces taking part, along with Police Scotland, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and Military Police,” he said.
“In addition to the police, we have survivors, and private and public organisations taking part too. This is a reflection on how the event has grown to be as inclusive as it can be for all abilities.
“Last year the event was great, and we had lots of positive press. This year we’re hoping we can make it extra special and are looking to pull out a few surprises too!”
It was a lifelong ambition of Vinny to get all UK police forces to take part, as well as make sure all 214 Wainwright peaks are being climbed.
Vinny, temporary Detective Inspector with Kent Police, said there are only six peaks left to cover and encouraged as many people as possible to take part.
“It would be magical if we could get all the peaks covered,” he said.
“Police officers up and down the country are part of a family and their families are an extension to this unique network we have.
“In the tragic event of an officer falling on the thin blue line and becoming a blue angel, I feel it is our duty to ensure that the extended family is supported.
“That’s where COPS come in. Every time I hear a story from a survivor about their loss and their experience with COPS, I’m reduced to tears. Anything I can do to help I will.”
Money raised from Light the Lakes goes to COPS, the only UK charity that solely supports the families of police officers and staff that die on duty.
For more information, go to lightthelakes.org.uk.
