Praise for officers after trek in memory of flood victim Pc

Chief Supt Colin Andrews and Det Sgt Andy Lindsley, both of Humberside Police, have raised more than 2,000 for the Pc Bill Barker Appeal.

The fund was launched to aid the family of Pc Barker, who was swept to his death during severe flooding on November 20 last year while directing motorists away from a bridge in Workington, Cumbria.

The bridge had collapsed and colleagues said others may have died were it not for his bravery.

The 44-year-old left a wife, Hazel, and their four children.

In tribute to his courage and to boost the fund, the two Humberside officers scaled 20 peaks in the Lake District in just two days.

The pair covered more than 15 miles on the first day on an ascent of 5,740ft, and scaled more than 4,000ft the next day on a route of more than 12 miles.

Chief Supt Andrews said: "We would like to thank the members of the public and colleagues who supported us, including people who brought donations into police stations. It shows how much the public value police officers. Bill's family were touched that people in Hull, who they had never met, were willing to donate to help them."

Mrs Barker paid tribute to her husband and thanked the two officers for their efforts in raising 2,228.

She said: "On Friday 20th November 2009 our whole world fell apart never to be the same again when Bill, my darling husband, the devoted father to our children, my best friend and my forever friend, was so suddenly and tragically taken away from us forever.

"I am extremely honoured and privileged to have shared in the life of such a brave, dedicated, caring and wonderful man who, over and over again, made us so very, very proud.

"On behalf of Simon, Melissa, Daniel and Emma Louise, please accept our very humbled thanks to everyone who supported Chief Supt Colin Andrews and DS Andy Lindsley in their truly amazing achievement in memory of Bill.

"Words cannot express how much we appreciate your support but please know that we, as a family, feel very humbled at this wonderful act of generosity."