Viv Pow has died, peacefully at home, after an inspirational 12-year fight against cancer. In her final interview, she told PETER BARRON, with typical positivity, about her ‘one last goal’ THE inspirational Viv Pow – wife, mum, grandma, retired police officer, fundraiser, and dedicated cancer research campaigner – knew that time was running out. She was resting at home when we chatted for the last time two weeks ago today.
As she looked out at her garden, in the pretty village of Middleton Tyas, near Darlington, it was clear her health was deteriorating quickly. And yet she still spoke with typical determination and passion about wanting to inspire others, while raising funds for Cancer Research UK and St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington. She had “one big goal left” – to make it to Darlington’s beautiful South Park this coming Monday, June 10, for the third charity fun run and walk to be organised in her honour.
“The reality is that this will be the last one for me because it’s obvious I’m not going to be around in a year or even six months’ time,” she told me. “I’m getting weaker every day, but I desperately want to be there on June 10, just to see everyone who’s supported me over the years – and to say thank you for being there." Sadly, Viv, who served for 30 years with Durham Constabulary, didn't quite make it.
She finally lost her fight against cancer, peacefully and at home, on Sunday morning. But – just as she would have wanted – Mon.