Kintore man Colin Bowie to hit the Brave catwalk
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Colin Bowie has one goal this summer: to finally get out again on one of his 10 motorbikes.
The mechanic, from Kintore, has only been able to tinker with the bikes in the shed since being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022 and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023.
Colin, who has had major surgery, two bouts of sepsis and kidney failure, is still undergoing chemotherapy and had to take early retirement from his business CMB Autos in Pitmedden.
But he is determined to remain positive, and loves nothing more than joking and winding up his friends, family and even the nurses treating him in the ANCHOR Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
And this week (May 16 and 17) Colin will keep that positivity going by stepping out onto the Brave catwalk to raise money for Friends of ANCHOR.
The sell-out shows at P&J Live star local men who have been through, or are going through, a cancer or haematology diagnosis.
For Colin, taking part gives him the chance to give back to the team who have supported him through a rocky two years.
The 62-year-old, who has colitis, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022 after developing a fistula.
Doctors carried out further investigations in his lymph nodes and discovered he had cancer.
“It felt like the whole world had fallen in,” he said. “I guess it’s fortunate my colitis went wrong as the cancer might not have been found so early.
“My instant reaction though was how to get rid of it – I’ve been positive from the beginning.”
Colin underwent chemotherapy and a colostomy, meaning he now has a stoma, which he admits was a big adjustment.
The father-of-two was dealt another blow in 2023 when doctors broke the news his Hodgkin lymphoma had transformed into non-Hodgkin lymphoma – resulting in more chemotherapy.
About two months ago, Colin picked up an infection which he is still battling to overcome with regular trips to hospital for fluids, antibiotics and blood transfusions.
“I think I’ve had two days out of the last six weeks that I’ve not been in hospital,” he said.
“But the team at the hospital are so good and look after me well. The support from Friends of ANCHOR is also just unbelievable – from getting my feet done, to having a chat with the volunteers who welcome you in.
“I’m a grumpy git when I’m not feeling well but the nurses have been so good and made it all a little bit easier.”
Colin is also grateful to the support of his wife Joyce – who he remarried recently, wearing a Haribo ring to seal the deal – and sons Colin and Mark, granddaughter Erin and her mum Kelly.
“All this has completely changed my life,” the mechanic said. “I had started to semi-retire from my business and allowing my son to take over, but I wasn’t expecting it to happen so quickly.
“I do have my down days, but I have a fantastic network of family and friends around me, it’s really quite humbling.
“I’ve just got to stay positive. I’m not ready to go yet – I’ve still too many people to wind up and have fun with.”
Colin’s cancer has reverted back to Hodgkin lymphoma and he’s still going through treatment.
However, the former world champion arm wrestler is hopeful that by summer he will be strong enough to head out on one of his beloved motorbikes.
He has 10, and since his diagnosis he’s restored five to keep himself busy – including a Kawasaki cruiser he found in a hedge.
“I could just see something in it, and it’s the most beautiful bike to ride. Unfortunately it’s just too heavy for me right now,” he said.
“There’s also three I’ve not even ridden yet. I’ve missed three summers, but hopefully this year I’ll get out more. There’s a group of guys I go out with, and they’ve also been really supportive.”
First though, Colin is looking ahead to his catwalk debut on Thursday.
He added: “I’m having an absolute ball with Brave I’m a bit nervous, but the group of guys taking part are great – it’s going to be good fun.”
Visit Colin’s JustGiving page to support his fundraising.
