Overwhelming support for Lily in cancer fight

funds: Appeal to raise money for family sitting at almost four times hoped-for total

A brave nine-year-old Perth girl who loves dancing is battling cancer which “came out of nowhere”.

Lily Douglas, who has been described as an “explosion of energy, joy, talent and kindness,” began treatment on Monday at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital after being told she has stage four Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Three weeks ago, the St John’s RC Primary School pupil had complained of a sore lump on her shoulder following a dance competition and then had tests carried out last week which revealed the shocking news that she has cancer.

One of Lily’s dance tutors, Brooke Robertson, decided to start a crowd funding page with a goal of £3,000 to help with her family’s expenses while the nine-year-old undergoes treatment in Edinburgh. Amazingly, such has been the depth of support for Lily that a staggering £11,025 has already been raised in less than 24 hours.

Ms Robertson said the diagnosis is “every parent’s worst nightmare”. She added: “There was no warning, no symptoms – it came out of nowhere.

“Life has handed her the toughest of battles and she began her treatment on Monday at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital. It is such a rare form of cancer.

“As you can imagine, her family are devastated and this is an extremely difficult time for them. We would like to help take some of the financial stress away from her parents, Jane and Scott, so they can concentrate on their daughter.

“All monies will go towards whatever they need at this time – help with their personal finances as they take time off from work, travel and accommodation to stay through in Edinburgh while Lily receives treatment and, of course, any future treatments/rehabilitation needed not available on the NHS.

“Further down the line there might be treatment needed outwith the NHS.”

She continued: “Lily is a huge local personality attending two dance schools in Perth – JGN Dance Attic and Inspire Dance Studios – and has won countless trophies and championships.

“She has so much to give this world and we, her dance family, are determined to help her win this battle. The two schools will be pulling together to fundraise.

“I know Lily and her family will appreciate every penny of donation. Her mother, Jane, is completely overwhelmed by the support given and we’re behind them every step of this journey.”

Ewing’s Sarcoma is a bone cancer found in children and young people.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraising campaign should visit https://www.gofundme.com/support-our-lily.

Lily Douglas, who has begun her battle against a rare cancer.