Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
I am in awe of Lily’s courage... the light just shines out of her
Dame Arlene Phillips pays tribute to teen who took on fundraising mission despite her own cancer diagnosis
TEENAGER OF COURAGE
Teen battling a rare form of cancer has inspired people all over Scotland and beyond with her incredible courage, positivity and determination to help others.
LILY, 13, from Perth, was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, Ewing’s sarcoma, when she was nine. The condition affects bones and the surrounding tissue. Last
July she collapsed, and doctors discovered the disease had spread to her brain leaving her paralysed, unable to move her right side and reliant on a wheelchair.
Lily’s mum, Jane, says despite everything the youngster still approaches everyday with a smile on her face.
Lily herself says of her illness:
“At first, I felt very, not sad, but very confused as to why it had to happen to me.
“But I would never want it to happen to anyone else because it’s not really nice to have cancer. But you get through it... no matter what.”
Lily’s bravery has inspired people all over Scotland, and beyond and won the hearts of celebrities including former Strictly Come Dancing judge and choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips and superstar Lewis Capaldi.
Lily is also determined to help others. After watching the heroic efforts of Captain Tom, the schoolgirl, who was a champion dancer before she lost the ability to walk unaided, was inspired to try her own fundraising challenge.
Jane says: “Lily has not walked since last year, but was determined to take a few steps on her frame and push through in order to raise money in memory of Sir Tom.”
Lily’s fundraising page passed its target of £500 less than 24 hours after going live in February and has so far raised £3,380 for NHS Charities. Jane says she was blown away by Lily’s award. “It’s just amazing that Lily has won a Pride of Scotland award. We were watching the event on television last year, never imagining that this year she would be a winner. It is just incredible, we just see ourselves as a normal family trying to get through it. But Lily getting an award really does lift your spirits, and she is over the moon, it is the award she is most proud of.”
At the awards, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when everyone heard of Lily’s touching story.
Dame Arlene said: “Lily has stolen a little bit of my heart. I am in awe of her courage. The light just shines out of her. The
Pride of Scotland trophy is a silver angel and to me Lily is a living angel. She is a miracle. She is a mesmerising dancer and I believe in my heart of hearts she will dance again and I will be there to see it.”
Lily also received one of the biggest cheers of the night when, paying tribute to the dance fan, singer Alesha
Dixon said: “I can’t think of anyone that deserves this award more than yourself.
“I love you and can’t wait to see you again.”
She is a miracle... She is a mesmerising dancer and I believe in my heart of hearts she will dance again and I will be there to see it. Dame Arlene Phillips