Equalities minister Christina McKelvie finishes cancer treatment

Christina McKelvie MSP has finished her treatment for breast cancer.

The Minister for Equalities and Older People temporarily stepped aside from her role at the start of March while receiving a first round of medical treatment and took another break at the start of September for the final stage.

On Friday morning, she tweeted: “It’s been a long hard road but today in The Beatson I rang the bell to recognise the end of my treatment for breast cancer. I cannot thank enough my sons, my partner Keith Brown, all my family, friends, colleagues & our incredible NHS Scotland.

She added: “From my first screening to the last treatment they have been amazing, the consultants, the amazing chemo & breast cancer care nurses, the Scottish Ambulance Service & my GP have given me exemplary care. Please go to your screening appointments, they work!”

McKevlie has represented the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency for a decade and was reelected in May with 46.2 per cent of the vote.

She was first promoted to ministerial level in 2018, having convener the parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee since the 2016 election.

She was reappointed to her ministerial role at the end of May.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and health secretary Humza Yousaf were among the well-wishers.

Yousaf replied: “Chuffed for Christina, Keith and your family, what an important milestone on your journey. Wishing you a full recovery, please rest up! Really pleased to hear our NHS team have taken good care of you.”