A CUMBRIAN police officer is gearing up to take on the iconic New York Marathon in memory of a special colleague.

PC Dave Edwards of Barrow Police will run the streets of the Big Apple on November 5 to honour PC Amanda Rawlinson, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in February.

By taking part in the event, which coincidentally falls on Amanda’s birthday, Dave is raising money for St Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston.

He said: “After being told her cancer was terminal, and spending a spell of time in hospital, Amanda returned home and was visited for the next nine months by St Mary’s ‘Hospice at Home’ team. They managed her pain relief at home and showed unprecedented professionalism, at the same time as becoming part of her extended family.

“The team showed such care and support, and without them Amanda’s battle against cancer would have been much more difficult, so I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for them.”

Dave has been preparing for the event with long distance runs around Barrow and the surrounding area.

Superintendent Rob O’Connor said: “Sadly earlier this year we lost Amanda, and it is a fitting tribute that Dave is raising money for a local organisation that supports so many patients and their families across South Cumbria.

“Dave is such a selfless person, and over the years has now raised thousands of pounds for local good causes whether that has been running the London Marathon or through organising the Barrow Police team for the Keswick to Barrow.

“I wish him well in the United States, and I know Amanda’s family and St Mary’s Hospice are particularly grateful to Dave for his efforts, and I would encourage people to get behind Dave by making a donation, no matter how small that may be.” 

Any donations can be made here: http://www.justgiving.com/Dave-Edwards1968?utm_id=121