Johanna MacVicar, from Bishopton, helped many lives, yet she lost her own battle with leukaemia aged just 27, in 2005.

Before her death, brave Johanna started to look into complimentary therapies in a bid to improve her wellbeing.

Now the charity set up in her honour — Rainbow Valley — is launching a centre in Scotland for cancer patients.

The proposals are being backed by Scottish celebrities who have rallied to show support to Johanna’s mother Angela McVicar, who has helped to make the charity a success.

Devoted mum Angela was by her daughter’s side through every moment of her cancer battle, and she is determined to make Rainbow Valley a success.

Angela MacVicar, who is now the founder and chairwoman of Rainbow Valley, said: “Since founding Rainbow Valley three years ago, we have been fundraising, planning and working towards seeing our dream, and Johanna’s vision, of a centre for those affected by cancer realised.

“I am overjoyed this is now coming to fruition and we will be able to provide a comfortable, welcoming and educational environment for not only those living with cancer, but the people around them too. A place you will hope to never need, but always want to visit.” During Johanna’s battle against the disease, she had a dream to create a centre which provides free, holistic advice and treatment for those affected by the illness — one that is now set to be fulfilled.

She first met Robbie Williams at a concert in Glasgow in 2000 when he offered to help the charity for which she campaigns, the Anthony Nolan Trust — which keeps the world’s only register of bone marrow donors.

They formed a close friendship and the star helped launch a campaign at Loch Lomond in 2001 urging more donors to come forward.

Angela said: “She just got on with her life and, when she was told she’d have to have a bone marrow transplant, she decided to campaign.

“But Johanna’s campaign was never about Johanna. The trust get 16,000 new patient requests a year. We both realised that she could do something to make a change.” If the latest application is approved, the new holistic centre will be based in the village of Gartocharn, with beautiful views over-looking Loch Lomond and the surrounding countryside.

Complete with accommodation, treatment rooms and comfortable social areas, the centre will serve as a year-round retreat for cancer patients and their families from across Scotland thanks to its accessible location.

It will be available to those living with cancer through all aspects of their treatment, offering guidance and allowing patients to share their experiences with one another in a supportive, intimate environment. It will also serve as a powerful centre of education, from where Rainbow Valley’s experienced team of therapists, nutritionists, fitness instructors and physicians will run day and residential seminars for people of all ages, living with and affected by cancer, including family and friends.

Angela continued: “Many cancer care facilities are based within hospital grounds, which serve as a stark reminder of the illness. Rainbow Valley wanted to find somewhere that provided a welcome step away from the hospital grounds. The land on Gartocharn is tranquil, with beautiful views, offering a true sense of ‘getting away from it all’.” The planning application is the latest development in a hectic year for the charity, which launched a new series of courses in April.

The courses, run and developed by Penny Brohn Cancer Care, are designed to complement medical treatment and help patients understand how exercise, nutrition and emotional health, among other factors, can help improve their quality of life.

STV Journalist Laura Boyd has been living with chronic myeloid leukaemia for the past six years and is a firm supporter of Rainbow Valley, frequently organising fundraising events in their support.

She said: “Living with leukaemia, I know first-hand what having a place that offers information, therapies and comfort — in the darkest of times — can mean and now we are one step closer to having that facility in Scotland. This is the most important step for Rainbow Valley yet and one which I hope will be just the start of a fantastic and fulfilling journey.” Actor Dougray Scott became firm friends with Johanna while researching his role as an English picture framer suffering from leukaemia in the film Ripley’s Game.

He said: “Johanna was an incredible person. She changed my life, pushed me to be less selfish and showed me that we all need to take a step back sometimes. Her selfless drive to help those around her, despite fighting her own battle, was astounding and I can think of no higher tribute to her than a purpose built centre, devoted to holistic treatment and advice for those suffering from this terrible illness and all those around them. I wholeheartedly support Rainbow Valley and the tireless work they carry out.”