Inspirational Lily Douglas will help launch Race for Life

An inspirational Perth dancer, who is battling a rare form of childhood cancer, will launch a major fundraising event this weekend.

Nine-year-old Lily Douglas will sound the air horn to kickstart Sunday’s Race for Life on the North Inch.

About 600 people are expected to take part in the event which will raise crucial funds for Cancer Research UK.

Lily, who recently met her pop idols Little Mix and is undergoing treatment at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, plans to take part in the 5k family event.

Hundreds of runners are expected to wear T-shirts showing support for Lily and two-year-old toddler Leva Stewart, who has been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer developing from connective tissues in the body.

Lily and her family will greet the crowds on Sunday morning, shortly after the women’s only 10k race gets under way at 9.30.

She will start the women’s only 5k run at 11am.

A keen ballet, tap and street dancer, Lily was invited to audition for Scottish Ballet prior to her illness and has already amassed 80 dance trophies.

She was shocked to find a lump on her shoulder in April and was taken to her GP who then referred her to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where medical staff found a tumour.

Race for Life events are held in towns and cities across Scotland each summer and make hundreds of thousands for Cancer Research.

Perth is one of 10 races to host the 5k family run, in which men can take part. It starts at noon.

For details visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.