The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘Dream come true’ as Lily to help at lights switch-on
Perth schoolgirl who has spent three years battling cancer to take the spotlight
Inspirational schoolgirl Lily Douglas has had her “dream come true” after being invited to help turn on the Perth Christmas lights.
A public campaign was launched earlier this week to have the 11-year-old, who has been battling an aggressive form of bone cancer for three years, help switch on the festive lights.
Perth and Kinross Provost Dennis Melloy has invited the young dance champion to join him on the festive parade and on stage on November 16.
Lily’s mother Jane said: “We’re just blown away. It’s so nice.
“Lily is so excited. She’s going on the sledge with the provost.
“Last year we walked behind it with the dance group and she said she wished she was on it, and now this year her dream has come true.
“We got a phone call from the provost and he was lovely, he’s quite looking forward to it too. We’re delighted, it’s completely out of the blue. It’s started Christmas early.”
Jane hopes Lily’s big moment will open the door for other children and people in the community to be given the opportunity in the future.
She has also organised for local charities to be given the chance to fundraise on the night.
She said: “I don’t just want to make this all about Lily going on the stage because there’s a lot of kids going through things.
“Hopefully we can get some money for these charities. They step in and really help. You have no idea how valuable they are and they do it quietly, so hopefully we can give them something back.”
The campaign was started by Pete Chan, who helped raise money to take Lily to Spain for treatment last year.
He said: “She’s the people’s hero, the people’s champion and she inspires people.”
Perth and Kinross Council confirmed
We’re delighted... It’s started Christmas early. JANE, LILY’S MOTHER
yesterday Lily will be invited on stage for the celebrations.
A council spokesperson said: “Provost Dennis Melloy has spoken with the Douglas family and is happy to confirm that Lily Douglas will join him in celebrating Perth’s Christmas lights event on November 16.”
Lily will appear on the main stage on Tay Street alongside Provost Dennis Melloy for the 6.15pm switch-on.
Atomic Kitten were announced as the headline act for the Fair City festivities, alongside Dario G and Scottish singer songwriter Nina Nesbitt.