Kate’s Army march in memory of much-missed cancer victim

A 50-strong group of women paid tribute to an inspirational young cancer victim from Bothwell at the weekend by taking part in the Pretty Muddy event.

The women, who called themselves Kate’s Army, signed up for the event in memory of law student Kate Bowman who died on June 4 this year from a rare form of ovarian cancer.

The 25-year-old, who learned she had passed her degree in Law and Business Studies just weeks before she died, worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the illness and became the face behind many charity events and campaigns across Scotland.

Kate was a VIP at last year’s Pretty Muddy event and had vowed to go back this year to run it again with fellow TV presenter Cat Cubie – but instead Cat joined Kate’s sisters Laura Bowman (30) and Elaine Docherty (28) to complete the course at Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park.

Cat said: “Kate battled, and battled is the right word, because she was such a fighter.

“She was just 23 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She was so strong.

“I first met Kate when we did a photoshoot to promote Pretty Muddy. We had both hoped to actually take part in the 5K but I was advised not to as I was pregnant at the time and although Kate really wanted to, sadly chemotherapy stopped her.

“We made a pact that we’d do it together in 2016. I feel so sad she’s not here. I’m honoured to be part of Kate’s Army. We’re all in this together and we’re going to get you cancer.”

Angela Wilson, Race For Life’s area events manager for Glasgow, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in Pretty Muddy Glasgow.

“The atmosphere was full of emotion with participants wearing signs on their backs declaring their reasons for taking part.

“Many will be remembering loved ones lost to cancer or celebrating the lives of people dear to them who have survived.”

Kate’s Army raised more than £4000 for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the event.