COLLEAGUES and friends of a murdered policewoman from York are set to take part in a mammoth charity trek to boost a fund set up to help her two young children.

Heather Cooper, 33, who grew up in Acomb, was killed in October and her body was found in woodland in West Sussex, where she served as a detective constable.

Following Heather’s death, Surrey Police Federation set up a trust to raise funds to support her children, Joshua and Isabelle, when they go to university. To help boost the fund – which has so far raised about £30,0000 – DC Cooper’s former Surrey Police colleague Sgt Ian Davis has organised a Light The Lakes charity walk in the Lake District.

More than 500 people have so far signed up to take part in the event, on April 28, which will see teams of walkers to scale every one of the 214 Wainwright Peaks before sunrise, lighting a lamp on each in Ms Cooper’s memory.

Sgt Davies said there has been a “fantastic response” and he hoped to double the amount raised so far.

“The response is incredible and it is snowballing the closer we get to the date,” said Mr Davis.

“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.”

One participant, Lu Drew, wrote on dedicated Facebook page, set up about the walk, saying: “Can’t wait. Heather was an important part of my life and I miss her, it will be beautiful, just like she was.”

DC Cooper was on maternity leave at the time of her death. Her body was discovered in the early hours of Monday, October 17.

Post-mortem examinations later found she had died from a blow to the head and a stab wound to the throat.

Her former partner, Peter Foster, 35, of West Street, Haslemere, Surrey, has been remanded in custody, charged with murder. A trial date has been provisionally set for June 11.

To take part in the walk email IanDavisCharityWalk@surrey.pnn.police.uk

To make a donation to Heather’s children, cheques or cash can be sent to Surrey Police Federation, 13 Munstead View, Surrey Police HQ, Sandy Lane, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1HG.

Cheques should be made payable to Surrey Police Federation Orphans Donations.