Western Daily Press (Saturday)
‘Tash was the love of my life, her light will shine on’
THE fiancé of a young Bath woman, who was killed while on an early morning run, says he has been completely overwhelmed and humbled by the support he has received since her death, and is determined to carry on the inspirational work she started.
Although Dave Bowler, 32, has been left absolutely devastated by the death of “the love of his life”, Natasha Lewis, he pledged: “Tash’s light will continue to shine for the benefit of the community she loved.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Tash, of Oldfield Park, died on the morning of Wednesday, April 7 when she was hit by a car while out on her daily programmed run around Peasedown St John.
Tash’s dad Nick said: “Natasha was born to run since aged nine. She excelled in everything she did – sprints, field events and triathlon, and latterly a love of long-distance running.
“She was also part of the Great Britain ladies bobsleigh development squad while studying at the University of Bath.”
A fund set up in Tash’s name has already raised £38,000 and to date, more than 70 friends and family have signed up to run the Bath Half Marathon to celebrate her life, her passion for running and the energy Tash brought to everything she did.
They will all be running to raise funds for a charity very close to Dave’s and Tash’s heart – Bath Rugby Foundation. Dave will be taking Tash’s place at the September 5 event and, as well as the many friends already in training, Tash’s brothers James, 40, and Tim, 36, will also be representing their sister.
“I will never be able to match Tash’s speed,” said Dave.
“But I know she will be with us all every step of the way. Many of the people taking part, including James and Tim, are not runners, but they will give it their all, just as she would have.”
Dave and Tash have spent the last eight years building a business, Get Fit in Bath. But Dave said it was more than a business for them both; it has been a labour of love and he is determined to continue that as a legacy to the woman he was due to marry on September 25.
“Tash had a gift, and that gift was to give 100% to everything she did, whether that was to her running, our business or to supporting other people to feel better about themselves. She was never preachy but she wanted to inspire people to be the best they could be,” said Dave.
“I realise it was something she was born to do. Tash wanted our gym to be a safe space for anyone, all ages, all shapes and sizes and for people from all backgrounds to come to and feel welcome. All Tash ever did was give out good energy and I know that energy is still being felt in Bath.”
Dave, and Tash’s mum and dad Carol and Nick want that life-affirming approach to extend to Tash’s funeral, which is taking place on Wednesday, April 28, at 11.30am at Haycombe Cemetery.
“This will be a celebration of Tash’s life so please don’t come in funeral attire,” said Dave.
“We wish to reflect who Tash was as a person so come dressed in comfortable attire. If you have GFIB or Team Bath clothing or running gear or gym trainers, please wear as a nod to her and who she was. This is something she would have appreciated.”
Although only 26 family and close friends can attend the service inside the cemetery, Dave, and Tash’s parents know many people will want to pay their respects outside the gates. However, what the family want most of all is for mourners to stay safe and not gather in large groups.
“We don’t want people to put themselves at risk,” said Dave.
“Please stick to the rules. Tash would never want anyone to put themselves at risk.”
Nick added: “If everyone could arrive about 15 minutes before the service is due to start, they will be able to see Tash arrive.”
The funeral is family flowers only and Dave, Carol and Nick say the donations and support they have already received is more than enough.
“The messages we have already received have meant the world to us,” said Dave.
“Over 900 people have contributed to Tash’s fund, which just shows the difference she made to so many lives. Having you come to send her off is all we wish.”
Donations to the fund can be made at