'Washing fake tan off saved my life': Mum tells of shock cancer diagnosis

But their shared experience of battling breast cancer means they are more "soul sisters" than cousins.

Now both in remission from the illness, they are determined to fundraise to help other people tackle the disease.

Last year at Shine Night Walk Glasgow, project worker Trisha laughed her way around the city’s streets as part of the Jolly Green Giants team, which raised more than £1100 for Cancer Research UK.

But dressed in brightly coloured lights, Trisha had no idea then that her own world was about to darken.

Just three weeks after completing the fundraiser, Trisha was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 5, 2021.

The 62-year-old said: “I’ll never forget that moment I was told I had cancer.

"A tear came out of the side of my eye as I sat in that hospital room.

"Just then the nurse who was with me took my hand and said, ‘we are going to look after you.’

"I knew that I was in safe hands. The medical team were so compassionate and kind, the very best of the NHS."

READ MORE: All four members of Glasgow family diagnosed with cancer

Today, still recovering from cancer surgery and months of treatment, Trisha says it was the humour, energy and positivity she got from her own family which kept her going.

Trisha, from Bishopbriggs, said: “I did Shine with my sisters and my cousin and had great fun.

"We were covered in lights and sparkled our way around Glasgow. It was a really nice atmosphere.

"But looking back, it’s likely I had cancer then.

"I just didn’t know it yet. I’m not one to check myself and obviously that has changed now, but I was washing [fake] tan off when I felt a wee lump in my breast.

"I had had a cyst removed from my breast a few years earlier so I didn’t think anything of it.

"I decided to ring the GP anyway and he was able to see me later that day."

Trisha got a cancellation appointment three days later at Stobhill Breast Clinic.

Convinced she had another cyst, she didn’t tell her family about the appointment and went alone.

But hours later after a mammogram, biopsy and ultrasound, Trisha was told it was cancer.

She said: “I remember sitting in the car afterwards and crying.

"Everything had changed but to me, the thought of telling my family almost felt worse that being told I had cancer."

READ MORE: Glasgow cancer scientist to run for mum and aunt

Trisha recalls vividly the impact cancer can have on a family.

Her grandson, Kai Green, was just five when he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Kai received a Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award in recognition of his bravery during three-and-a-half-years of treatment.

Now age 14 and in remission, Kai who is a keen footballer, proved an inspiration.

Tricia said: “I have two grandsons, Kai and Sean, who is 18.

"Kai had to fight cancer for a long time but thankfully is now a healthy and happy young teenager.

"He was my inspiration for getting through cancer. When Kai was ill we always tried to keep humour and be positive.

"That’s how we coped and that’s how I coped. You can have your moments when you cry but for me, laughter is a spoonful of medicine.

"I told cancer early, ‘I’m coming to get you, you are not coming to get me'.

"I’ve got grandsons, and a wonderful family and I’m needed on this planet."

Three weeks after diagnosis, Tricia had surgery at Stobhill and doctors were able to give her a more detailed description of the cancer.

Tricia said: “They told me I had a high-grade, aggressive tumour.

"That took me a couple of days to digest. Washing that tan off had saved my life and I just felt so lucky that I’d found the lump.

"There was something that could be done for me. I cried happy tears because I was grateful.”

Tricia had four chemotherapy sessions at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre which started in December last year.

By Christmas her hair had started to fall out.

She said: "I had been advised that if I shaved it off it would mean I was taking back control from cancer so my daughter shaved it.

"I tried to embrace it. I didn’t know any other way although obviously I did have a moment."

In February this year to mark the end of chemotherapy treatment, the family gave Trisha a special sash saying “Patsy’s last chemo” and decorated the car that picked her up afterwards with balloons and banners.

It was an emotional moment when Trisha received the date of her first of 10 radiotherapy sessions - March 7, the same day as her late mum Kathy Green’s birthday.

Kathy had died on December 18, 2020, 10 months before Trisha was diagnosed.

Trisha said: “It was my mum who had best sense of humour and had taught us all about positivity and gratitude.

“I knew my mum was there with me all the way.”

In May this year, Trisha’s sister Anne Marie Birnie held a 60th birthday party.

Trisha’s hair was growing back by then and she looked radiant.

Trisha’s cousin Andrena Bain, also from Bishopbriggs, is hugely proud of her.

Andrena, who is in remission after being diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2013, was a natural confidante.

The 54-year-old said: “Trisha is the sort of person who is humble, caring and so aware of others.

"This didn’t stop during her cancer journey.

"In fact, in some ways continuing to be that supportive person got her through. She is a star.

"We’ve always been close but if anything cancer challenges have drawn us closer.

"Trisha is more like a soul sister than a cousin.

"I’m blessed to have her in my life.”

Glasgow is one of 19 locations across the UK selected to host a Shine Night Walk in 2022, a 10k through the heart of the city on Saturday, September 10.

The event starts at the SEC at 8pm before passing some of Glasgow’s famous landmarks such as Bell’s Bridge, the Duke of Wellington Statue and through Kelvingrove Park.

It is 20 years since Cancer Research UK was formed and, in celebration, the charity is paying tribute to its supporters for the part they have played in this progress.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Scotland, said: “As we mark our anniversary, we want to thank Trisha, Andrena and people across Scotland for their incredible commitment to events like Shine Night Walk that make our life-saving work possible.

Anyone who signs up for Shine Night Walk between August 22 and August 30 can claim 30% off the entry fee by using the code SNWAUG30.

To enter or volunteer visit shinewalk.org.