Cancer survivor Eilidh Steel and her twin sister Louise launched the Cancer Research UK Glasgow Race for Life recently

A teenager who beat cancer after treatment in the US teamed up with her twin sister to launch Scotland’s biggest Race for Life event in Glasgow.

Eilidh Steel, 15, flew to Florida for 11 weeks where she was treated with proton beam therapy for cancer of the salivary gland after doctors discovered a tumour in her neck.

Her twin Louise was there for her every step of the way through treatment. The youngsters, whose inspirational bond helped get the family through the toughest of times, were chosen as VIPs to kick off Race for Life Glasgow, on Sunday 21 May.

They sounded the airhorn together sending around 6,350 runners off on a 5K or 10K course near Glasgow Green to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Eilidh and Louise were also official starters for Race for Life Family 5K, a new event this year being piloted in Scotland which allows men to take part in the traditionally women only Race for Life events for the first time.

The girls, from Kelloholm, Dumfriesshire, then joined the race alongside their parents Iain and Debbie and their pet dogs, Basset hound Lily, German pointer Luther and Irish Water spaniel Dudley.

Eilidh, 15, said: “It’s been a really emotional day but I’ve loved every moment of it.

“Raising money to help find and develop new cancer treatments is a way to give hope to many people who are diagnosed with cancer. It’s important to me to do everything I can to help.”