A cancer survivor who lives with only half a kidney is set to represent the country at one of America’s most prestigious pageants.

NHS healthcare worker Nicole Anderson, who is the reigning Miss Royal Scotland, will travel to Florida to compete against women from across the world for the coveted Miss International title.

The 29-year-old has already amazed medics by overcoming a rare childhood cancer known as nephroblastoma, which saw her lose her left and half of her right kidney after enduring months of gruelling chemotherapy.

She then faced further surgery when she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and had a metal plate inserted to help her walk.

Now Nicole is focused on bringing the title home and says it’s a privilege to be the first Miss Royal Scotland ever invited to take part in the contest.

Glasgow Times:

She exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “I’m incredibly proud to not only be the first ever Scottish delegate to compete, but also to be a cancer survivor and someone who was born with congenital hip dysplasia.

“I always try my absolute best to show others that they can accomplish absolutely anything they want, no matter their history or background.

“I’m proof that you can overcome anything life throws at you. I basically live with half a kidney and have a metal plate and screws in my hip which helps me get around, but I don’t allow any of that to hold me back.

“I’m proud of what I've been through and how I've come out the other side. Coping with serious health issues has taught me not to take anything in life for granted.”

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Nicole, from Cumbernauld, has been competing in pageants for the past three years and won her first title of Miss United Kingdom for Royal UK Pageants in 2021 - becoming the first Scottish contestant to take home the crown.

Glasgow Times:

She went on to place in the top five at the Royal International Miss in 2002, before being invited to fly to Florida in July for the chance at one of the US's biggest prizes, with the winner getting to make a $15,000 pledge to a charity of their choice.

Nicole added:  “It really is a dream come true - I never thought I’d ever have the chance to compete at international level.

“Royal UK Miss pageant is not your typical event. There is no scoring on beauty or physical attributes and girls and women can compete at any age, size or marital status.

“Each finalist is encouraged to get involved in their community and have the option to support a charity of their choice. The unique rounds promote life skills such as public speaking, formal interview techniques and resume writing. The systems promote a sisterhood and family feel, with everyone so supportive of one another.

“It’s very different from what people expect and showcases personality and humility above everything else. It's not superficial at all and I’ve gained so much from competing."

Glasgow Times:

Nicole was encouraged to take part in her first pageant by her dad Eddie, 63, who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the start of the Covid lockdown in 2020.

After seeing one of her friends compete, Nicole finally found the confidence to enter with his support.

She said: “Things were bad and we knew that dad’s cancer was terminal and that he didn’t have long left with us. We were all heartbroken but he was determined I should enter, so I went ahead.

“It was something I’d always thought about doing but my dad gave me the little push I needed to fill out the application form.

“I was so nervous taking part and did not have a clue what to expect or even what dresses to wear. The support I received from everyone was fantastic and helped my self-esteem. My dad was so proud when I placed and from that moment on it became a passion."

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Nicole is determined to use her platform to help others who are going through tough times or experiencing mental health difficulties.

Glasgow Times:

She created a buddy system called AskHay which is used by people all over the world to sign up to become a pen-pal with other like-minded people and provide each other with support.

She added: “I know what it’s like to go through hard times and want to do all I can to help people struggling in any way.

“I’ve been amazed at the number of people connecting through the website. I’d say to anyone who is thinking about entering a pageant to absolutely go for it.

Glasgow Times:

“Times have changed and it’s more about who you are as a person than anything else. It really is what is on the inside rather than the outside that truly matters. Competing has given me a huge confidence boost and it can do the same for others."