Vicky Galbraith

Scottish Rugby was saddened to learn of the death of former Scotland Women prop, Vicky Galbraith, who passed away on Sunday 19 May, aged just 40.Capped over 30 times for Scotland, Vicky was a member of the side that won the Women’s European Championships in 2001; twenty-four hours later she was playing for her club side, Richmond, at Twickenham, winning the English Women’s Club Championships.In November 2010, while pursuing a successful career in pharmaceutical anti-cancer drug development, Vicky found herself diagnosed with a rare cancerous brain tumour. After undergoing major surgery to remove the tumour and during intensive chemotherapy, Vicky’s thoughts were with others and she put her best foot forward in a massive sponsored Big Walk to Clinic from her birthplace, Portree on the Isle of Skye, where her diagnosis began, to the Beatson Cancer Care Centre at Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow. The 215-mile trek, in April 2011 saw her raise thousands for cancer charities.Vicky continued to support the national women’s team and most recently was present at the 6N fixture against Ireland at Lasswade in March which marked 20 years of Scotland Women’s internationals, catching up with old friends at an ‘ex ints’ event before the match (see above, Vicky is in the centre of the photo, in pink)Women’s rugby forum representative on the Scottish Rugby Council, Kath Vass said: Vicky did so much to raise money for brain tumour research that there are many articles found on the internet detailing not only her substantial rugby career but her life after diagnosis. It seems she lived way over her prognosis’ prediction and did it with heart, immense humour and an irrepressible wit that left the rest of us humbled and laughing at the same time. She will be missed.  Vicky will be cremated at Inverness Crematorium on Tuesday 28 May at 2:30pm and her family have posted the following message:All who knew Vix are invited so please share this infomation.As you would expect, Vix requested that as much rugby kit be worn as possible at her funeral. We ask that you dress in a way that reflects the colour she brought to all our lives.Vix also asked that instead of flowers at her funeral, trees or bulbs are planted. We hope that you can find a space to do this in a place that is special to you. Alternatively a donations box will be available on Tuesday in support of Vix’ chosen charities.We are planning a memorial celebration of Vix’ life closer to her home in the South in the coming weeks and will share details in due course.