“My message to you all is live life to the full” – Kristina Bowser

Kristina’s Poem

How do I share my thought

For this battle I have fought

I have learnt a lot in my lifetime

Mainly that I cannot rhyme!

Never take anything for granted

Run up the mountain even if you panted

My message to you all is live life to the full

Travel the world, see the sights

Respect and care for those around you

My family are amazing and epic

My friends are outstanding and for life

Life has ups and downs

So embrace the rollercoaster and live in the moment

And don’t ever say a battle is lost.

Kristina Bowser 17th June 1991 – 3rd March 2021

Written by Kristina Bowser, this poem was shared at ‘Kristina’s Butterfly Ball’, a tribute ball held in loving memory by her family.

Kristina, a teacher from East Yorkshire, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2020 and sadly passed away 11 months later, aged 29.

Her mum Lesley Bowser, together with her dad Philip and brother Richard, are committed supporters of Yorkshire Cancer Research. The family - known as ‘Team Bowser’ - has raised over £21,000 to bring world-leading cancer research to Yorkshire since 2021, inspired by their beloved daughter and sister Kristina. 

This year, following her special instructions, Team Bowser organised ‘Kristina’s Butterfly Ball’: a joyful celebration to bring together everyone who knew and loved Kristina. In Kristina’s words, she asked to “have a celebration of life type thing, lots of fun, music and food and drink! Lots of selfies and write a memory and message for me.”

A special table was dedicated to Kristina, featuring a photo album filled with cherished memories from her life. Guests were invited to remember special moments with her and contribute to the album by writing a personal message.

During Team Bowser’s heartfelt speeches, they shared a message Kristina left:

“Tell them I’m partying out there keeping an eye on you all, I’ll be there at brunch, at festivals, eating food! I want everyone to live their life how you want to and to the full, never take anything for granted and have fun, never get stuck in a rut or work yourself into the ground, make sure you look after yourself and those close to you.”

After her diagnosis, Kristina was passionate about raising awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms. She encouraged people to understand what’s normal for their bodies so that they go to see their GP straight away if something does not feel right.

Knowing it is important to their daughter, the Bowser family have continued to raise money for vital cancer research in Yorkshire, including holding tractor runs and coffee mornings, selling craft goods and using an allotment honesty box.

Lesley said: “Our family has supported the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research for several years now. People in Yorkshire directly benefit from research the charity develops, but because Yorkshire is amazing, we’re also able to share these incredible discoveries with the rest of the world. We want to make the future look brighter for others and put our energy towards making a difference. Kristina would have wanted that too.”