A fundraiser has been launched by a West Lothian man in memory of a popular car fanatic, after she passed away from cancer.
Brave Rachel Bousie lost her fight against the disease earlier this month and leaves behind partner Brian and their three children; Maegan (20), Keira (18) and Ava (8).
Rachel (39) was a member of the The Focus ST Owners Club Scottish Region with Brian and fellow enthusiast Steve Dante has set up a fundraising to remember her.
Steve, who stays in Livingston, said he met Rachel at a meet in Kirkcaldy in 2010 and bonded over their love of cars.
He sid: “She always loved cars which I think helped us get along. She was always very loud and opinionated, but in a good way at cars meets and would always get involved and met lots of people.
“Rachel and Brian have been part of the SToc since early 2016.
“People that say that car enthusiasts are a bunch of boy racers don’t even begin to understand just how much of a community it actually is.
“I received word that we had lost a club member due to cervical cancer. Although not a close friend I’ve known Rachel, her partner Brian, and their young kids for about the last five years.
“After a quick chat to the admin of Focus ST Owners Club - Scottish Region, a club that I am proud to be a part of, it was agreed that we set up a Go Fund Me to help Brian out.
“In under 48 hours we were able to hit the recommended minimum target of £1000, all that help came from so-called boy racers and the companies that support us.
“I’ve always hated that term ‘boy racer’ and the stigma that goes with it, yes there are the minority that always spoil it for the majority but you will always find that in any group.
“All I can say is that I am truly glad that I am part of the car scene community, especially after seeing all this compassion and love for Rachel and Brian.”
Rachel, from Kirkcaldy, was first diagnosed in 2016 with small cell cervical cancer.
She had chemo and radiotherapy and was given the all clear in 2017, but the same cancer returned to her lung and breast in October 2020 and she had chemo and radiotherapy on her lung.
She had been due to get radiotherapy on her breast as well but was rushed into hospital on July 19 with severe headaches and was constantly being sick.
After a scan they realised it had spread to her head as well and nothing could be done.
The fundraising page has so far raised over £1600 for Rachel’s family, which will be used for her headstone and to treat her children.
Steve continued: “Along with the Gofundme, the FocusSToC will be setting up a memorial meet for Rachel, where we will gather together as friends and family from the car scene community and pay our respects.
“What I’m hoping to do is have the FocusSToC in a central location and for have every car from all the other clubs to do a slow drive by past Brian as a mark of respect.”
Rachel’s partner Brian said he wanted to thank everyone who has supported him and his family since her death.
He added: “I just want to thank all the staff at Victoria hospital Kirkcaldy and all my friends and family that have been there for us through this and all the car community from far and wide that have come together to support us with donations and also messages of support”.
To donate visit here
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre
