More than £25,000 raised in memory of much-loved Rotherham police officer

More than £25,000 has been raised in memory of a former Police Community Support Officer of The Year from Doncaster following her death from cancer.
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Stephanie McIntyre, 41, who worked in Eastwood, Rotherham was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in September 2019 and passed away at her home in Mexborough on 7 June. Before she died, Steph said she wanted to ensure other cancer sufferers received the best possible care and set up a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Her husband of 18 years Paul, a detective in Rotherham, 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 suffering with - and those living alongside loves ones - with cancer.

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"We agreed £2,000 was ambitious enough, so we set our initial target at that.”

Steph McIntyre.Steph McIntyre.
Steph McIntyre.

The fundraising total had just surpassed £7,000 when Steph died – but Paul and the couple’s closest friends decided to continue their efforts in her memory.

He added: “Steph dedicated her career to helping people. For years, she worked in one of Rotherham’s most deprived areas, building connections between the police and the community and offering support to those most in need.

"It was fitting that her final wish was to do something for others. Her focus was always helping people - that was Steph.”

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On Monday (26 October), Paul presented Macmillan with a cheque for £25,053.

Paul and Steph were married for 18 years.Paul and Steph were married for 18 years.
Paul and Steph were married for 18 years.

Hannah Lumb, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for South Yorkshire, said: “Everyone at Macmillan would like to thank Steph’s family and friends who have chosen to honour her memory by donating to Macmillan.

“With special thanks to Paul, who’s determination to continue fundraising in Steph’s memory will benefit many families affected by cancer in South Yorkshire.”

To tip the fundraising over the £25,000 mark, PC Andy Thorp and retired officer Jonny Cochrane completed a 300 mile bike ride from Helmsley and Holy Island in Northumberland and back again in three days.

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Some of Steph’s former team also shaved their heads to help top up the fundraising pot.

Paul added: “The support has been incredible. 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.”