SURREY Police’s ‘Light The Lakes’ walk, launched in 2012 to support the family of murdered Detective Constable Heather Cooper, has grown to become one of the most popular outdoor events in British policing.

The body of the 33-year-old mother of two, from Haslemere, was found in Blackdown Woods, near Lurgashall, in October 2011.

Her partner, ex-Surrey Police detective Peter Foster, who was also from Haslemere, received a life sentence for her murder on June 26, 2012.

He was found dead in his cell at Lewes Prison just a few weeks later, on July 30 after committing suicide.

The ‘Light the Lakes’ charity walk, which was organised by Surrey Police sergeant Ian Davis, challenges teams of walkers to scale every one of the 214 ‘Wainwright Peaks’ in Cumbria before sunrise, lighting a lamp on each in Heather’s memory.

“We have all been left devastated by the loss of Heather and are keen to do something positive to remember her as well as help her family,” he said at the launch.

Officers from Surrey Fire and Rescue, who also went on the first ‘Light the Lakes’ ascent, in which lights were lit simultaneously on 214 peaks at 4.30am, said it brought a “lump to their throats” to see all those lanterns lit in the early hours.

The sixth annual ascent was held last weekend and the event has been expanded to raise funds for the families of all police officers who have lost their lives, through the dedicated charity COPS.

Officers and staff from Surrey Police joined more than 200 teams from forces across the UK, including Northern Ireland and Greater Manchester, to climb separate hills and mountains last Friday night, and at 3am on Saturday, to illuminate each summit with torches and flares.

Event organiser Detective Sergeant Vinny Wagijiani, of Surrey Police, said: “I am so pleased to be leading this great event and to see colleagues from across the UK raising funds for COPS but also remembering lost colleagues.

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

“I am extremely proud this year that we have more than 200 teams taking part, and I would like to thank all my friends and colleagues at Surrey Police for the support and help in making this happen.”