"The best of people" — tributes paid to Rotherham PCSO after cancer death

A FORMER PCSO of the year who served with South Yorkshire Police for 13 years was described as “the best of people” after her cancer death at 41.
PCSO Steph McIntyrePCSO Steph McIntyre
PCSO Steph McIntyre

Steph McIntyre died peacefully at home on Sunday surrounded by husband Paul and other family members after her illness battle.

Husband Paul (47) said: “Steph will leave an unfillable hole in our lives. We’re all so proud of her. 

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“She loved her job, she loved her team, and she had no end of pride in the work she did and the lives she changed. 

“I cannot put in to words how much I love her, and how much I will miss her.”

Steph with husband Paul

Tributes have come from across the community.

Chief Supt Una Jennings, Rotherham’s district commander, said: “She was the best of people, beautiful inside and out. 

“It was my honour and pleasure to be her commander and, I hope, her friend. We miss her so much.”

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Chief Insp Chris Foster added: “In times of adversity, people come together. Steph brought those people together and made things happen for the people of Rotherham.”

Rotherham East ward member Cllr Wendy Cooksey described Steph as “an excellent PCSO in the Eastwood area”.

And Rotherham’s central neighbourhood team tweeted: “She loved her job and being part of Team Eastwood. Losing her will leave a huge void. We will all miss her.”

She joined the force in December 2006 and spent much of her career working in Rotherham, notably as part of Team Eastwood.

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She was given a commendation for her engagement work in the village in 2017 and was named PCSO of the year for the district the following year.

Last September, Steph was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, which had spread to her liver. 

Family said she continued to stay positive through various treatments and procedures, including a life-saving operation.

She was able to return home to Mexborough and spend her final days with family and friends, while being cared for by Macmillan.

An online fundraiser has already smashed its £1,000 target for the cancer charity — standing at almost £12,000 this afternoon (Thursday).

On patrol in Eastwood in 2016 with PCSO Ryan Westney 

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