This year, Im climbing with my two boys Harry (10) and Freddie (7) the Blencathra peak at dusk and setting up camp just below the summit which stands at 2848 ft….At approx 0200hrs in the morning we scale the last half hour by torch light to the top where we will light a blue flare in time with all the other peaks in the lake district.

The sky lights up blue as each team light up their flares. We then scamble back down the rocky ridge and get back in our tents (usually drenched with dew and cloud mist) and try and get some kip before walking back down the mountain at dawn.

Light the Lakes has become an established event in the climber's diary where Police Officers, colleagues and friends climb the 214 Wainwright peaks in the Lake District to raise money to support COPS (Care of Police Survivors).

COPS provides peer support, counselling, mental well-being and respite services to help surviving family members of police officers and staff who have died on duty rebuild their lives. They work with hundreds of families from across the UK – all of their services are provided free of charge and for as along as they are needed.

The vision has always been to cover all 214 Wainwright fells with the light of flares in honour of our fallen officers. Knowing that each flare is in honour of those who have lost their life is an incredibly special and moving experience.