A BRAVE police officer from Barrow with just months to live wants to make one of her bucket list dreams come true and renew her marriage vows.

PC Amanda Rawlinson and husband Mark had created a 12-month plan of things they wanted to do after she was diagnosed with cancer.

But devastating news about the progression of the disease means the Barrow couple have had to shorten the list due to a lack of time.

Mr Rawlinson, a Barrow police sergeant, explained how a recent development meant that chemotherapy was out of the question. 

He added that it was now just a matter of pain control to make her more comfortable and try and keep her as active as possible for as long as possible. 

The 49-year-old was one of the 'Lookin' Good Feelin' Great' calendar girls. She featured as Miss September on the calendar as Cruella de Vil with her puppy Darcy. The Furness-based group of around 25 women – all of whom are battling different types of cancer  – have raised more than £20,000 which was split between the local oncology unit and Cancer Research.

Mr Rawlinson has been trained to artificially feed his wife via a tube. 

This contributes towards her care without the need for clinical support creating more freedom and making it a little more personal for them.

Mr Rawlinson said: "Amanda was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in April 2014 and was treated at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. Despite two major operations and a gruelling chemotherapy regime we were told in March this year that her cancer had returned and was inoperable. 

"Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were offered as a way to prolong life and relieve some of the dreadful pain she was suffering. We were told not to give up and she could have a good few years to go.

"We decided to create a 12-month bucket list just to be certain in that time they could do some of the things we always meant to do but never got round to it. We didn't want to get into a position were we were saying 'We wish we had done...' " 

"Last month, only a few weeks after being given the news, Amanda was rushed into hospital with a blocked bowel and transferred to The Christie cancer centre in Manchester for surgery. Unfortunately the operation was not successful. This latest development means Amanda now only has a matter of months to live.

"This heartbreaking news means the bucket list has shrunk considerably due to lack of time and Amanda's health deterioration. One of the top three things is to renew our vows. We married abroad in 2004 with no family or friends present. Most importantly our children Paul, 26, Laura, 24, Chris 22, Andy 21 and Scott 18 were not there. This is something that makes Amanda particularly sad, especially when she looks back."

Friends of the pair know them as a very devoted, loving couple and are saddened to watch cancer rob them of everything they hold dearly. But, they have remained as positive and upbeat as much as possible. 

Mr Rawlinson, 49, said: "Amanda achieved her ultimate personal goal of returning to work only weeks before she found out the cancer had returned.

"She also had a proud moment whilst at The Christie hospital when she was able to watch her fellow calendar girl and friend Sarah Bunting marry the love of her life Keith Lamb. Amanda had nominated them for the The Bay's wedding competition and they won. 

"She was so upset at not being able to attend but the registrar at Barrow registry office let Amanda watch it via FaceTime. She was very poorly that day but when she heard she was getting to see the ceremony there was no way she was gonna be out of it on medication. So in true Amanda style she refused pain relief.

"We have had a just giving page set up by Sharon Platt, along with help from the other Lookin' Good Feelin' Great girls. This is specifically to raise money for the vow renewal ceremony and an evening celebration. 

"We want all family and friends to enjoy with us, celebrating our love and how lucky we have been to have had such a perfect albeit shorter than expected one."

You can donate here  to make their wish come true 

Read all about the calendar girls  here

South Cumbria women's cancer group awarded £1k grant  read more

BOWEL CANCER: THE FACTS

Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large intestine. 

Cancer can sometimes start in the small intestine, but small bowel cancer is much rarer. It is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK, with around 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year. 

About one in every 20 people in the UK will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime. 

The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in faeces, changes in bowel habit – such as more frequent, looser stools – and abdominal pain. However, these symptoms are very common and most people with them do not have bowel cancer. 

Who's at risk? * Almost nine in 10 cases of bowel cancer occur in people aged 60 or over; 

* A diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre can increase your risk weight; 

* Bowel cancer is more common in people who are overweight or obese exercise; 

* Being inactive increases the risk of getting bowel cancer; 

* A high alcohol intake and smoking may increase your chances of getting bowel cancer; 

* A family history – having a close relative who developed bowel cancer under the age of 50 puts you at a greater lifetime risk of developing the condition.