Police officer who raised £50k loses battle with cancer
AN INSPIRATIONAL police officer who was a 10-time Ironman has lost his brave battle with cancer.
PC Mike Evans was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour just over a year ago, but channelled his energy into fighting the disease and raising money to help others.
A number of “TeamEvsy” challenges done in the name of the keen triathlete have so far raised £50,000 for Velindre Hospital in Cardiff – and the fundraising will continue.
Mike, 50, from Bridgend, who was based at South Wales Police headquarters, wanted to raise enough money to repay the NHS for his treatment and reduce patients’ wait for MRI scans.
His wife Louise, 42, said Mike died at home on May 30. Louise and their children, Lily, 23, and Sol, 18, were by his side.
She said that with characteristic courage Mike had worked with his friend Ryan, from Penybont Funeral Services to plan his own funeral, which will take place on Monday.
In accordance with Mike’s wishes he wants a peloton of cyclists to ride in front of the hearse from near his home to Coychurch Crematorium, where there will be a full police funeral.
Louise and Mike’s friend Alun Thomas, a former police colleague and fellow triathlete, are appealing for as many riders as possible to meet at the Texaco garage on Cowbridge Road in Bridgend by 12.30pm on Monday.
The funeral starts at 1.15pm and hundreds of mourners are expected.
“Another of Mike’s funeral requests was that there be no flowers, but donations made to the fund instead, which was started by Lily,” said Louise.
“I will be eternally grateful to Lily for giving him that to focus on.
“And we haven’t finished, we will continue to fundraise for him because I know it meant so much to him.”
Alun, now Assistant Chief Constable of British Transport Police, said: “It will be Mike’s final ride.
“Then at the crematorium there will be a full police funeral with hundreds of uniformed officers forming an honour guard, along with police horses.”
Louise said their children had also specially designed his coffin and Mike chose the music for the service.
To support the TeamEvsy fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/teamevsy