Support officer’s charity legacy as £ 25,000 is raised in her memory
THE HUSBAND, friends and colleagues of a Rotherham PCSO, who died earlier this year of cancer aged just 41, have raised over £ 25,000 in her memory.
Stephanie McIntyre, a former PCSO of the year, who served with South Yorkshire Police for 13 years, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer last September.
Before her death in June, Mrs McIntyre said she wanted to ensure other cancer sufferers received the best possible care and set up a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Husband Paul, a detective in Rotherham, presented Macmillan with a cheque for £ 25,053 earlier this week.
He said: “Steph’s final wish was to raise as much as possible for Macmillan, so their nurses can continue the vital work they do for those living with, and those supporting loved ones with, cancer.”
The couple initially aimed to reach £ 2,000 but had raised over £ 7,000 when Mrs McIntyre died in June.
Mr McIntyre and close friends decided to carry on as a tribute to an officer who had dedicated her career to helping others.
With the help of family and friends as well as local businesses and football clubs, items were offered up for auction.
Some of her former team pledged to shave their heads when funds reached £ 15,000.
To tip the fundraising over the £ 25,000 mark, Pc Andy Thorp and retired officer Jonny Cochrane completed a 300- mile bike ride in three days.
The pair cycled from Helmsley and Holy Island in Northumberland, and back again – raising £ 1,500 in donations.
Mr McIntyre said the support had been “incredible”, adding: “It’s bittersweet, but I can’t thank people enough for their efforts and for keeping Steph’s memory alive.
“I know she would be proud.” Macmillan’s fundraising manager for South Yorkshire, Hannah Lumb, thanked everyone for their efforts and said the money would benefit many families in the area affected by cancer.