The chief constable will tackle Harter Fell to turn on a light in memory of Heather Cooper

Cumbria’s top cop will scale a Lakeland peak as part of an event commemorating a Surrey police officer who was killed last year.

Chief Constable Stuart Hyde and other officers from Cumbria Constabulary will join in the Light the Lakes event, which hopes to light a lamp on every one of the 214 Wainwright fells later this month.

The event, organised by Sergeant Ian Davis, chair of the Surrey Police Federation, will raise cash for the family of Detective Constable Heather Cooper, the 33-year-old whose body was found in Blackdown Woods, West Sussex. She had been beaten about the head and stabbed in the throat.

Hundreds of participants have signed up for the challenge, which will involve making their way to summits and turning on lights at 4.30am on Saturday 28 April.

Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “I am proud to be involved in this event and I will be walking Harter Fell by Mardale.

“The whole challenge is a massive undertaking and has received a lot of support. It is a unique way to remember the memory of Heather and will hopefully provide some financial support for her children.”

Some peaks are still available for walkers. Anyone interested in joining the event is asked to contact Sgt Davis by email.  Donations can also be made via the Light the Lakes Facebook page.

The detective, originally from York, left two young children. The Light the Lakes appeal hopes to raise £30,000 to match a similar amount already pledged by the Police Federation.

Det Con Cooper’s partner Peter Foster was arrested and has been charged with her murder.