Surrey Police Officers to Light the Lakes in memory of fallen Officers.

21 June 2018

Surrey Police Officers will join more than 350 people climbing the Cumbrian Fells in support of families of Officers killed in the line of duty.

Teams of police officers, both serving and retired, staff and police friends will light up the famous Wainwright fells of Cumbria for the seventh annual Light the Lakes.

This exceptional event was founded in 2012, when colleagues and friends of murdered Surrey DC Heather Cooper climbed the Wainwright Fells in the Lake District to raise money for her children.

Light the Lakes has now become an established event that raises money for COPS Charity and pays tribute to those who have fallen on the thin blue line.

They teams will ascend separate peaks on the night of 22 June and will light each summit with torches and flares at 3am on 23 June.

Surrey Police Federation Representative, and local organiser for Surrey Police, DS Vinny Wagjiani said: “I am humbled to be leading this great event, and to see so many colleagues from across the UK raising funds for COPS in memory of lost colleagues.

“For me, it is a special moment just after the peaks are lit up to reflect and to think about my fallen workmates, their families and how honoured we are to be police officers.

“This year we have 90 peaks covered by over 350 people from forces across the UK including Northern Ireland, Leicestershire, British Transport Police and North Wales.

“The Police Crime Commissioners from Surrey and Cumbria are also embracing the challenge and supporting the event. What has been the most impactful is the positive reaction and active engagement from the communities we police, many of whom have joined in our efforts to take part and raise money for the COPS Charity.

“The energy that forces show in taking part in what is one of the greatest outdoor events in British Policing is incredible. The buzz of the event has filtered through to the hearts of the communities we police and demonstrates the appreciation of the forces and the important part that policing plays in their lives.

“I would like to thank all my family, friends and colleagues at Surrey Police for their support and help in making this happen.”

Members of Surrey Police attending this event include DS Vinny Wagjiani, Sergeant Simon Pond and PC Chris Laughton who will all lead teams up their chosen peaks.