STV presenter Laura Boyd to front Race for Life campaign

STV presenter Laura Boyd will front Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events in Scotland this autumn.

Laura, who has lived with chronic myeloid leukaemia for more than a decade, is urging people to take part in the fundraising events to help the cancer charity fund lifesaving treatment.

The 39-year-old said: “Back in September 2009 my life changed forever when I received the devastating news that I had cancer.

“I just heard that word and practically collapsed. My memory from that day is saying to the doctor, well, am I going to die? It was the first question that I wanted to ask. From then on it was an absolute whirlwind.

“I’ve had numerous ups and downs but the hospital have been absolutely incredible and I actually went on a trial funded by Cancer Research UK which has helped as well.”

In 2019, Laura welcomed baby Penelope with husband Steven after his sister Jayne offered to be a surrogate for the couple.

Doctors had advised Laura, who takes daily chemotherapy tablets, that it was too risky for her to consider falling pregnant.

Laura welcomed IVF baby Penelope in 2019 with husband Steven. Cancer Research UK

Laura said: “Penelope makes me smile every single day.

“It wasn’t an easy journey for her to get here but it’s been more than worth the heartache.

“Her wonderful ways have made every day magical and meaningful. I’m so proud to be mum to our little miracle.”

Laura’s powerful story is one of around ten audio recordings from cancer survivors which will be played at Race for Life events across the UK this autumn.

“I hope my story will help connect with people in the moments before they set off on the Race for Life course,” she said.

“Supporting Race for Life this autumn feels like a really positive way to take action and make a difference to the lives of people with cancer.

“I am proof that the work scientists do, the funding supporters raise goes to help save lives and also create lives.”

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are grateful to Laura for her support.

“Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity for people across the nation to run, walk or jog and raise money for life-saving research.

“We know that 2020 was a year like no other and we had to overcome many challenges thrown our way during the global pandemic. But this past year proves, more than any other, the value of investing in science and medical research and what can be achieved by working together.

“Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer. We are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow.”