Inspirational
Family and friends pay touching tributes to Kate
An inspirational young cancer sufferer, who clung to life to see the birth of her nephew, lost her battle against the killer disease at the weekend.
Kate Bowman of Bothwell – who worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the illness and became the face behind many charity events and campaigns across Scotland – died at the age of 25 on Saturday.
This week, the proud family of the brave young woman spoke of Kate’s determination to stay alive and see the birth of her nephew and godson Dylan.
And Kate also learned she had passed her degree in Law and Business Studies just weeks before she passed away.
Her dad Steve said: “Kate was a brilliant daughter and sister.
“Throughout her life, she was a girl who wanted to try everything. She was incredibly thoughtful and always wanted to help others.
“She was determined to see her nephew being born and was over the moon to meet him and she was also able to name him.
“And she also got word that she had got her degree, which we are all incredibly proud of her for.”
Tributes for Kate have been pouring in over social media, with many people describing her as “courageous” and “inspiring”.
The heartbroken family of Kate Bowman have vowed to continue to raise awareness of the disease that she bravely fought.
Kate was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 23.
And her family were keen to get the message across that looks can be deceiving when it comes to suffering from such a deadly disease.
Her dad Steve explained: “Kate always wanted to stress that despite looking young, fit and healthy she had cancer — and if ever anyone had any doubts about their health they should go to their GP and get checked out.”
In total, Kate, who lived in Bothwell, received more than 30 rounds of chemotherapy but could often be seen on her hospital bed with her laptop studying for her degree in Law and Business Studies at the Hamilton campus of the University of the West of Scotland.
And if the former Hamilton College pupil wasn’t studying, she was out helping others.
Kate’s sister Laura Bowman (30) said: “She was always asking after everyone and offering to help them in any way she could.
“That was just the way Kate was — she wanted to share her experience and help change things in any way she could for the better. “We are all so proud of her.” Kate’s other sister, Elaine Docherty (28), said: “She was a fantastic sister and just loved her nephew Dylan, who myself and husband Mark, asked her to name.
“She loved being a godmother and when she was really sick towards the end she was always checking in on him.”
Kate, despite her illness, was always keen to lead a “normal” life and soon became the face behind many cancer charity campaigns.
This week Cancer Research UK paid tribute to Kate and her work.
Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, Lisa Adams said: “We’re incredibly sad that Kate has died.
“Kate was an inspirational young woman whose bravery shone through. We were so proud last summer to have her on stage as our VIP to start Race for Life Pretty Muddy in Glasgow, which raises vital funds for Cancer Research UK’S pioneering work. Our thoughts are with her family.”
Kate was sponsored by La Vita’s restaurants to take part in the Race for Life Pretty Muddy event.
Mario Arcari, who is the area manager for the restaurant, was saddened to hear that Kate had passed away.
He said: “Kate was a really outgoing person and had a bubbly personality who was able to turn heads when she walked into a room. “She contacted me when she heard that a family member of mine had been diagnosed with cancer and was keen to help in any way she could.
“She was really warm-hearted and we were only too happy to sponsor her during the Race for Life and help raise funds for Cancer Research UK.”
Kate’s mum Jane said: “Kate got involved with a lot of different charity events and organised this all on her own.
“We will continue to carry on with the great work that Kate has done.”
Kate, originally from Mount Vernon, is survived by her mum Jane, dad Steve and sisters Laura and Elaine.
Although Kate looked young, fit and healthy, she had cancer. That was her message