Survivors Sarah Doyle, Claire Duncan, and Tracy Walker
Event for fallen police officers lights Lake District sky
Thousands of people took over the Wainwright Fells in the Lake District and lit the night sky in memory of police officers who have died on duty.
As part of this year’s spectacular Light the Lakes, which raises money for COPS, more than 2,500 people, many serving officers and police staff, climbed one of the 214 Wainwright peaks in Cumbria and lit a flare at 3am in honour of fallen colleagues.
For the very first time, every single police force in the country took part.
The COPS team, COPS national president Gill Marshall, and a number of other survivors also took part in the event, which was sponsored by Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL).
For a few it was the first time taking on such a momentous, as well as demanding, challenge.
Light the Lakes Organiser Vinny Wagijani called it a huge success, as well as emotional.
“Listening to the stories of new and old to Light the Lakes has been truly inspiring,” he said.
“The survivors sharing their stories still reduces me to tears and reminds me why we do what we do.”
Many people taking part chose to set off early evening to make it to the top of their fell in time for nightfall and have time to reflect and recuperate before the 3am light-up, while others braved climbing their peak in the middle of the night.
Once safely down, and after some well-earned rest, people had the chance to meet the following day at Brathay Hall, which saw emotional speeches from Gill and Vinny.
Vinny, a Detective Inspector with Kent Police, added: “When Ian Davis first began Light the Lakes in 2012, he never imagined what it would turn into. Being the 10th anniversary, he has been humbled by what it has become.
“I am overwhelmed with the generosity and support of everyone who has contributed to making this year so very special. A sincere thank you for this.
“If we want to make a difference in policing, we need to ensure we look after each other on and off duty.”
CEO of COPS Tim Buckley said: “Light the Lakes this year, on its 10th anniversary, was amazing and certainly the most powerful I have attended. Seeing all the flares light at 3am was so emotional and powerful.
“At that moment all the trials of the climb disappear and the understanding of the enormity of what is happening hits you – that sure knowledge that every team on every fell are remembering officers that are no longer with us is overwhelming.”
SSCL Police and Resourcing Services managing director David Parsons said: “The SSCL team is so proud to have supported the event and also taken part.
“We undertook the climb of Scafell Pike and there are a few sore joints, but most importantly, a huge sense of pride. During the climb we all reflected on the importance of this fundraising activity and remembered the victims.”
He added: “We are in awe of COPS and the work it does to support survivors – some of whom took part in the event or came along to meet us. Seeing the flares lighting up the night sky was both moving and inspiring.”
To date, the event has raised more than £100,000 which helps toward providing practical and emotional support for the surviving families of police officers such as peer support events and access to counselling.
For more information or to take part, go to https://lightthelakes.org.uk/
To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LightTheLakes2022