The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Perth star Lily to front charity drive
Cancer sufferer, 9, playing part in campaign. Picture: Lesley Martin.
An inspirational Perth girl battling a rare form of cancer is spearheading a new national charity drive, urging Scots to help save lives by clearing out their wardrobes.
Dance champion Lily Douglas is undergoing gruelling bouts of chemotherapy ahead of potentially life-changing surgery to have a bone in her shoulder removed.
The nine-year-old was left heartbroken after being forced to cancel an audition with Scottish Ballet in April when doctors diagnosed Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of tumour found in the bone and soft tissue.
But since then determined Lily has kept dancing, even winning first place in a solo dance category at the UDO Scottish Street Dance Championships early this summer – only two days after completing her fourth round of chemotherapy.
Lily is one of around 310 young people who are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland every year.
Now she has been chosen to launch the Give Up Clothes for Good campaign in Scotland, a partnership between TK Maxx and Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens which raises funds for life-saving research into children’s cancers.
Lily is rallying people to donate good quality clothing, accessories and homeware they no longer need to their nearest TK Maxx store. Each bag donated is expected to make up to £30 when sold in Cancer Research UK shops.
All money raised will help fund research to find new, better and kinder treatments for children and young people with cancer.
St John’s RC Primary pupil Lily said: “I just love dancing so much and it’s my life.
“I’ve been dancing since I was two and a half. As soon as I get a break from chemotherapy treatment then it’s getting back to dancing that makes me feel happy.
“Now I’d really like to help other children who have cancer. That’s why my mum and I will be having a good clear-out at home and finding clothes and items to donate.
“I hope everyone across Scotland will get behind this campaign too and turn something unwanted into funds for such a fantastic cause.”
Lily’s mum Jane Douglas said: “The doctors think Lily is incredible and I’m so proud of how she’s taken everything in her stride.
“I’m amazed every day by her strength and her courage.”
“I’d really like to help other children who have cancer