Light the Lakes 2018

Interim Chief Executive of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) Roger Bannister will join some of his former colleagues from Leicestershire Police for this year’s Light the Lakes charity challenge.

Participants walk to the top of one of the Wainwright Peaks in the Lake District. The challenge takes place overnight from Friday 22 June into the Saturday morning, with a synchronised lighting of beacons at 3am from the top of the peak.

The annual event will continue until there are enough participants to light up every one of the 214 peaks simultaneously. Hopefully, 2018 is the year this can be achieved.

Roger will scale Place Fell alongside Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole accompanied by his wife, DIs Jenni and Jim Heggs and DS Adam Archer.

The challenge takes place annually to raise funds for COPS. COPS is the UK registered charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives while on duty. They aim to provide survivors with the help and support they need to cope with the loss of a loved one and ensure they remain part of the policing family.

Roger said: “I’m delighted to be joining some of my former colleagues from Leicestershire Police in tackling this challenge which is for such an excellent cause.

“COPS does vital work in helping the families of police officers cope with losing a loved one, something I am very passionate about.

“It will be fantastic to see as many peaks as possible lit up – hopefully this year’s Light the Lakes can be even more spectacular and successful than last year!”

Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “It will certainly be a challenge but will be worth it when we reach the top. Despite needing to remain awake until after 3am, I am really looking forward to seeing how many of the peaks are going to be lit up this year.

“I’m delighted that there is such a strong Leicestershire Police presence taking part.”

You can sponsor the Place Fell team on their Just Giving page here. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-cole14

You can also support volunteer Oliver Stretton who will be climbing Whin Rigg with the help of his mum and step-dad. They are collecting donations for COPS via their Just Giving page here. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oliver-stretton

Exhibits and Disclosure Officer (Major Crime) Emma Hopkins will be scaling Hart Crag with her friend and dog. Emma is contacting sponsors via a paper sponsorship form.

East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) HR Business Partner Tracy Meakin accompanied by her grandson and EMSOU Support Supervisor Dave Howell accompanied by his wife and son will climb either Rampsgill Head and/or Kidsty Pike. The team are not fundraising but plan to sell Tubby pin badges while they are in the Lake District, with the proceeds going to COPS.