250 run in memory of Sgt Kirste Bowman (From Echo)
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250 run in memory of Sgt Kirste Bowman
9:30am Wednesday 1st August 2012 in News By Laura Smith
Raring to go – participants in the five-mile run in memory of Kirste
MORE than 250 people joined a fundraising race in memory of an inspirational police officer who lost her battle against breast cancer. The five-mile run, at Grove Wood School in Rayleigh , was organised by family and friends of police sergeant Kirste Bowman, who died in February. Since she died, loved ones have made it their mission to remember Kirste, her bravery and her outstanding fundraising efforts over many years.
At least £5,000 was raised for charities Southend Hospital ’s Bosom Pals appeal and Macmillan nurses, with more money still expected to pour in. Her husband, John Bowman, 45, who also ran the race, said: “It’s so inspiring to know people are willing to give up their own time, effort and money to support such a fantastic cause. “It makes it easier for me that I don’t have to worry about her fears of being forgotten, and we are hoping this will be an annual event that will send out a timely reminder of what a special person she was.” Kirste, 42, would have been particularly proud because she raised more than £50,000 for breast cancer charities. She grew up in Rochford and later moved to Fairview Close, Benfleet , and has hundreds of friends and family who will always remember her. She served out of police stations in Southend, Leigh , Rayleigh, Basildon , and finally Chelmsford. Many of her colleagues took part in the run. Others stripped off their shirts and coated themselves in pink paint, to match the colour of the breast cancer campaign logo. Mr Bowman added: “It was far beyond my expectations. “It was absolutely amazing having carried the Olympic torch in Highlands Park, in Chelmsford, and I thought I couldn’t beat that by the amount of good feeling there. “But I think this feeling actually matched it with the generosity and goodwill of the marshalls and people that were running.” “I’ve run in many races before, and never experienced anything like it.”
