A mum who documented her cancer journey online is urging people across Renfrewshire to sign up for Race for Life events taking place near the area this spring.
Vicky Collins, 41, from Hamilton, is supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life campaign after being diagnosed with bowel cancer shortly after her 40th birthday.
Vicky shared her treatment journey with more than 18,000 followers on TikTok, posting videos about life during chemotherapy and the challenges of being a mum while facing cancer.
Now in remission, she is encouraging people to get involved in Race for Life events to help raise money for life-saving research.
Vicky will be leading a team taking part in the Pretty Muddy event at Strathclyde Country Park on Saturday, 13th June 2026.
Vicky said: “They say life begins at 40.
“Instead I found myself in a hospital room hearing the word cancer and feeling like my world had stopped. At first I kept cancer secret except from sharing details with very close family. Then one day I decided that cancer was no longer going to control me. I made a video, posted it on TikTok and felt instantly lighter.
“It very quickly became like a diary. I was amazed when people started to follow and everyone’s comments on social media of support and love made me smile. They helped me dig deep.”
Vicky began chemotherapy in January 2025 and later underwent surgery to remove the tumour. After months of treatment she completed chemotherapy on 11th July 2025 and rang the bell in hospital surrounded by family and friends.
Now cancer free but continuing regular check-ups, she says raising awareness and supporting research is important to her.
Vicky said: “The sun rising, birds in the sky, laughing with family, I appreciate everything now.
“Sadly bowel cancer numbers in younger patients are rising. It’s important to me to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of this disease. I put off and ignored my symptoms for too long and it’s been a long battle back. Now it would make me very proud if my story encouraged others who may have symptoms to talk to their doctor early.”
Race for Life events are open to people of all ages and abilities, with participants able to choose from 3k, 5k and 10k routes as well as the Pretty Muddy obstacle course.
The largest Race for Life event in Scotland will take place at Glasgow Green on Sunday, 17th May 2026.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “It’s time for Scotland to go all in against cancer, all in to help fund life-saving research.
“Whether you’re a five-a-side crew, book club, dance troupe, yoga club, fancy doing something fun with your friends – or on your own – we want everyone to join us.”
Since Race for Life began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part across the UK, helping to fund cancer research and new treatments.
Anyone who wants to sign up can visit www.raceforlife.org.
Headline Photo: Vicky Collins is backing Race for Life events in Scotland after sharing her cancer journey online
