MUM-OF-TWINS KIM BORTHWICK DIES AFTER DEVASTATING BRAIN CANCER DIAGNOSIS — ‘SHE WILL BE FOREVER MISSED’

A Glasgow mother who turned her devastating brain cancer diagnosis into a campaign for better treatment and support has died surrounded by her family.

Kim Borthwick, 36, passed away peacefully on September 22, nine months after doctors diagnosed her with an incurable glioblastoma.

Her husband Ross and their four-year-old twin sons, Max and Freddie, were by her side.

Kim’s family announced the heartbreaking news on social media, saying she remained “her brave, fighting self right to the very end.”

“Kim meant so much to so many people and she will be forever missed,” the family said.

They also thanked everyone who had supported Kim and the family throughout the past eight months.

IT STARTED WITH WHAT KIM THOUGHT WAS A POST-CHRISTMAS HEADACHE

Kim had been enjoying the festive period with Ross and their young twins when she developed an unbearable headache.

At first, she believed she had simply overdone it during Christmas.

But the symptoms quickly became more concerning.

She later recalled experiencing tingling in her hand, losing feeling down one side of her body and being sick.

Kim had never suffered migraines before, but initially wondered whether that was what she was experiencing.

After several visits to her GP, she was eventually sent to A&E for an urgent CT scan.

On January 18, 2026, she received the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma — an aggressive form of brain tumour.

Doctors told her she might need surgery that very evening.

SHE DIDN’T KNOW IF SHE WOULD SEE HER BOYS START SCHOOL

Despite the diagnosis, Kim became determined to make the most of the time she had with her family.

In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland earlier this year, she spoke about how her illness had changed the way she viewed everyday moments with her sons.

“I don’t know if I’ll see them start school,” she said.

She explained that ordinary moments she once might have taken for granted had suddenly become incredibly precious.

Her sons were four years old when she spoke publicly about her condition.

Kim also joked that she knew she would have made “a bloody good granny” — a heartbreaking reflection of the future she hoped she would have been able to experience.

KIM TURNED HER DIAGNOSIS INTO A FIGHT FOR OTHER PATIENTS

Rather than keeping her battle private, Kim began campaigning for better treatment and more resources for people living with brain cancer.

She joined Brain Cancer Justice, a campaign group calling for greater investment, improved treatment options and stronger support for people affected by rare cancers.

Kim argued that progress in brain cancer treatment had not kept pace with advances seen in many other forms of cancer.

She called for patients to have access to emerging treatments and clinical trials and highlighted the potential importance of technologies such as the Optune device.

She also raised concerns about the handling of tumour samples, arguing that routinely preserving tissue in a way that allows advanced genomic testing could help more patients become eligible for research and clinical trials.

“These aren’t cures,” she said previously. “Nobody is pretending they are.”

“But they give people more time with the people they love and, ultimately, that’s what matters.”

‘IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME — BUT I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE’

Kim knew the changes she was campaigning for might not benefit her personally.

But she continued speaking out because she wanted future patients to have more options.

“I have a fire in my belly to affect change for people diagnosed with brain cancer in Scotland,” she said.

“It’s difficult to accept, but it’s unlikely I will benefit from these changes.”

Her campaign became part of her legacy.

Kim wanted families receiving a brain cancer diagnosis in the future to have access to better treatments, more research and greater hope.

“It’s too late for me,” she said.

“But I want to make a difference for those who come after me.”

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR THE YOUNG MOTHER

News of Kim’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across Scotland and beyond.

Sarra Hoy, wife of Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, was among those who paid tribute.

She said Kim had made a huge impact through social media and highlighted her love for her family and life.

Commonwealth Games swimmer Archie Goodburn, who has also spoken publicly about living with brain cancer, described Kim as an “incredible woman” and “a true inspiration.”

Kim had previously drawn inspiration from Sir Chris Hoy’s own experience with cancer and his public advocacy.

She wanted to use her remaining time to create something meaningful for other families.

A LEGACY FOR MAX AND FREDDIE

Kim’s story was never only about her illness.

It was about her husband, her twin boys and the ordinary family moments she treasured more deeply after her diagnosis.

She spoke openly about not knowing whether she would see Max and Freddie start school.

Now, her campaign for better brain cancer treatment has become part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Her family said the support she received during her final months meant the world to her.

For those who followed her journey, Kim Borthwick will be remembered not only as a mother facing an incurable illness, but as someone who used her voice to demand better possibilities for the families who come after her.

Kim was 36. A mother. A wife. A campaigner. And, above all, a mum who wanted her boys — and future generations — to have more time.