Perthshire schoolgirl, Lily Douglas will be pretty in pink when she celebrates her 13th birthday this weekend.
A parade of cars adorned in her favourite colour will take Lily to afternoon tea to mark her transition to teenager.
It’s a big occasion for any youngster but Sunday’s socially distanced party will have particular significance for Lily and her family.
She was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma – a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer – aged nine and her courageous fight against the disease has made her an inspiration to locals who have supported her every step of the way.
A parade of supercars – three McLarens, a Ferrari and a Lamborghini – will take Lily from her home in Perth to the Atholl Palace Hotel, where she will have afternoon tea with her mother and grandmother.
The procession has been arranged by family friend, Kenneth McLeod. The cars belong to him, Gordon Deuchars, John McDonald, John Black and Jeff Stewart, all from Broughty Ferry, who will be turned in their Sunday best to honour Lily.
Kenneth said: “With the remarkable support Lily has had from the city of Perth, we’re going to take a slow dawdle through the city.
“It is a two-fold-idea, one is to say a huge thank you to all of you wonderful folks who’ve contributed along her journey, and also a chance to safely wish Lily a happy birthday.”
Lily and her travelling companions will be keeping a safe distance and wearing Support Our Lily facemasks in the cars as an added precaution.
The birthday girl has been receiving pioneering cancer treatment in London as part of ongoing efforts to aid her recovery.
Her bravery and big smile has made dancer Lily a hugely popular figure in Perth and the wider area. Scone Palace was lit up in pink in August to welcome her home from hospital.
She was chosen to switch on the Christmas lights in the city last year following a public campaign.
Perth locals are being encouraged to watch as the parade of cars takes Lily to her afternoon tea.
Kenneth said: “It would be a delight if you’d come to the roads we’ll be driving along, wear something pink – or have a pink balloon – and wish her a much deserved greeting to her teenage years.”
