HUNDREDS of runners took part in a race in memory of a police officer who raised almost £50,000 for charity while battling cancer.

Kirste Bowman, 42, died in 2012 after raising money for breast cancer charities by running 23 marathons while fighting the disease.

She joined Benfleet Running Club in 2001. Throughout her treatment she continued going to the club, and would train most days.

She grew up in Rochford and later moved to Fairview Close, Benfleet.

Kirste served out of police stations in Southend, Leigh, Rayleigh, Basildon, and finally Chelmsford.

Yesterday the sixth Kirste 5 Memorial Race took place in the Grove Wood School, in Rayleigh.

Participants took part in the Kirste one-mile family run and five-mile walk.

The main event follows a route heading to Hockley Woods, returning through Cherry Orchard Jubilee Park, New England Wood and Grove Wood.

The race has raised £32,000 since 2012 and all profits from the race are donated equally between Macmillan Cancer Support and Southend Breast Unit.

Race director Karl Cadman said: “We have had over 450 entries for the main run, with 130 for the family run, which is just fantastic.

“We have been organising it for the last six years and we are looking at probably having raised more than £5,000 today, which will add to the grand total of over £32,000.”

The money raised by Ms Bowman was for Southend Hospital’s Bosom Pals appeal and Macmillan nurses - and the run continues to raise funds for the two charities close to Kirste’s heart.

Bosom Pals was formed in 1991 as a support group for patients diagnosed with breast cancer or undergoing treatment.

The organisation actively fundraises to support breast care services at Southend Hospital.