THE widow of a police officer killed in a crash says she has been “overwhelmed” by the public support she and her family have received.

Father-of-two PC Steve Rawson died after his unmarked motorbike collided with a car in Southampton in April.

Almost £18,000 has been raised since his death, which Kerry Rawson says will be used to help their four-year-old daughter and ten-month-old son.

Forty-year-old PC Rawson’s motorbike collided with a BMW outside the Shell garage in Thomas Lewis Way on April 3.

Despite the best efforts of police colleagues and paramedics at the scene, the 40- year-old, who was based in Fareham, was pronounced dead on arrival at Southampton General Hospital.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his death, 36- year-old Kerry said: “Since Steve’s death I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from people we never knew.

“The generosity and kindness shown by people from all over the country has brought my family comfort during this difficult time.

“I can’t put into words how grateful I am, the money raised will really help my children, which is of great relief to me.

“Thank you so much for your kindness.”

His death has led hundreds of people – both police officers and members of the public – to donate money in order to support the popular PC’s family.

Hampshire Police Federation, which represents frontline officers, says more than 1,000 officers and staff at Hampshire Constabulary donated £1 from their salaries in May, while money has also been raised through the sale of pin badges and donations from across the country and abroad.

John Apter, chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, said he had been contacted by police officers from as far afield as the United States.

He said: “Following Steve’s loss I was contacted by some officers and members of the public from around the country asking whether there was a collection.

“In response to that I set up a collection and I wasn’t surprised by the generosity we have seen, because in times of tragedy and especially when children are involved, people are so generous.

“I know that the impact of the collection has been a positive one for the family during these dark times.”