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
Awe-inspiring event will light the night sky in memory of fallen officers
Every single police force in the country is set to take part in a unique event honouring police officers and staff who have died on duty.
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.
The climb, sponsored by Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL), is raising money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), the only UK charity that solely supports the families of police officers and staff who die on duty.
It takes place on 17 and 18 June and this year marks the 10th anniversary of this incredible event.
Light the Lakes organiser Vinny Wagijani, said: “For the first time we have 44 forces taking part, along with Police Scotland, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and Military Police.
“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.”
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, a Detective Inspector with Kent Police, said there are three peaks left to cover and is encouraging 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, I feel it is our duty to ensure that the extended family is supported.”
Tim Buckley, CEO of COPS, said: “We can’t thank Vinny and the team enough for how much they put into organising and delivering Light the Lakes. We also want to thank the hundreds who take part in this awe-inspiring event, taking over the Wainwright Fells in the Lake District and literally lighting the night sky in memory of fallen officers.”
David Parsons, managing director SSCL Police and Resourcing Services, who is leading a team of nine colleagues up Scafell Pike, added: “We are really excited and looking forward to this challenge with just a few days to go although slightly nervous as we picked the highest peak in England for our night time climb.
“It is especially important given it is the 10th anniversary of the Light the Lakes event and we are so proud to be supporting COPS. We do this because we all support and believe in the work that COPS does to help those who’ve lost a loved one.
“SSCL has been involved with COPS now for several years and we’re all so proud of this association. Climbing Scafell Pike and seeing the flares lighting up the summer night sky will certainly be emotional and a real highlight for us – both in remembrance of those lost and also in being part of this wonderful event.”
For more information, go to lightthelakes.org.uk
