[A] Barrow police officer is gearing up to take on the iconic New York Marathon in memory of a special colleague.
PC Dave Edwards will run the streets of the Big Apple on November 5th to honour PC Amanda Rawlinson, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in February.
By taking part in the event, which coincidentally falls on Amanda’s birthday, Dave is raising money for St Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston.
He said: “After being told her cancer was terminal, and spending a spell of time in hospital, Amanda returned home and was visited for the next nine months by St Mary’s ‘Hospice at Home’ team. They managed her pain relief at home and showed unprecedented professionalism, at the same time as becoming part of her extended family.
“The team showed such care and support, and without them Amanda’s battle against cancer would have been much more difficult, so I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for them.”
Dave has been preparing for the event with long distance runs around Barrow and the surrounding area, and said he is now ready to join thousands of others stateside.
“I think I’ve now got over training syndrome, as I love running so much I’ve been doing so many miles.
“I’m making sure I take it easy ahead of my trip, so that I can be as fresh as I can be. And I’d like to thank JD Motors Ltd, Barrow, for sponsoring my running kit – at least I will look the part!”
Superintendent Rob O’Connor said: “Sadly earlier this year we lost Amanda, and it is a fitting tribute that Dave is raising money for a local organisation that supports so many patients and their families across South Cumbria.
“Dave is such a selfless person, and over the years has now raised thousands of pounds for local good causes whether that has been running the London Marathon or through organising the Barrow Police team for the Keswick to Barrow.
“I wish him well in the United States, and I know Amanda’s family and St Mary’s Hospice are particularly grateful to Dave for his efforts, and I would encourage people to get behind Dave by making a donation, no matter how small that may be.”
Any donations can be made here: http://www.justgiving.com/Dave-Edwards1968?utm_id=121
