Light the Lakes
Tuesday 27 June 2023
Our fixed wing crew ais proud and privileged to have supported the Light the Lakes charity event with a special fly past to say ‘thank you’ to colleagues and friends taking part.
Light the Lakes is an annual event that brings police officers, staff, retired officers and police friends together to light up the famous Wainwright fells of Cumbria in memory of colleagues that have died.
This year’s event, which took place over the weekend of 22 and 23 June 2023, also marked the 20th anniversary of Care of Police Survivors (COPS).
In paying tribute to fallen colleagues, and showing support to the walkers, NPAS pilot Ian Robinson and Tactical Flight Officer Mick Sherwin flew G-POLV over the Ambleside region before continuing a proactive flight in the north of England before being deployed to a successful search for a suspect.
The first Light the Lakes event was in 2012 when 594 police officers, colleagues and friends climbed Wainwright peaks in the Lake District to raise money to support the children of murdered Surrey DC Heather Cooper.
Since then, it has become an established date in the calendar to raise money to support COPS, who work to provide peer support and access to counselling services to help surviving family members. They have helped hundreds of police families devastated by the loss of a loved one who died on duty.
Following the weekend, one of the event organisers, Vinny Wagjiani,,said the fly past had made a lasting impact on everyone who was there.
“Your decision to contribute to this significant milestone in COPS' history by conducting the flyby added a profound sense of dignity and respect to the occasion. The awe-inspiring sight of the NPAS fixed wing soaring through the skies served as a poignant tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
“Your act of solidarity demonstrated that the police community stands united in their support for the families of fallen officers and fosters a sense of togetherness during these challenging times.”
Visit www.lightthelakes.org to learn more and pledge support.
