A police officer who took inspiration from Kylie Minogue as she battled breast cancer will soon get her own chance to star on stage.
Myrtle Thomson is one of 24 women hard at work rehearsing for this year’s Courage on the Catwalk event in aid of the Friends of Anchor charity.
But she took time out from preparations for May’s fashion show to tell how the Aussie pop princess gave her hope as she faced up to her diagnosis.
“It was the same time as Kylie Minogue was diagnosed. I thought that if she could do it, then I can,” the Police Scotland officer said.
“I was never told I wouldn’t survive,” she added.
The 52-year-old said she had been “surprised and touched” at being nominated to take part in the annual fundraiser by her husband Gary.
Her diagnosis – in 2005 aged 40 – came at a particularly tough moment as the couple were going through the process of adoption.
But after receiving the all clear the following year, they were able to pick up where they left off and now have a happy family with Aryn, 10, and Ella, six, plus their two Jack Russells.
“My first thing was chemo, where I lost my hair, and then I had a mastectomy and then radiotherapy,” Mrs Thomson said.
“Luckily I was never really unwell and had always been quite fit. It was a shock because I had always had a healthy lifestyle.
“The chemotherapy had the worst effect and made me quite fatigued.”
Once treatment was over Myrtle was able to have the breast reconstruction she wanted and now there is no visible difference in the stylish lady.
“I was only 40 and wanted to wear a bikini. It was hard to cope with but I hadn’t lost an arm or a leg and that put it into perspective,” said Myrtle, who lives near Hatton in Aberdeenshire.
“Life is not all rosy but I’m glad I am here.”
She said Courage on the Catwalk had already proved “a fantastic experience where we can develop together”.
“On the ward Friends of Anchor make you feel good, with make-up or helping with hair loss. I felt very lucky and coped quite well. I didn’t wear a wig though – I wanted to show this is who I am.
“I am looking forward to the professional make-up and being pampered.
“We are having a whale of a time.”