A brave nine-year-old Perth girl who loves dancing is battling cancer which “came out of nowhere.”
Lily Douglas, who has been described as an “explosion of energy, joy, talent and kindness,” began treatment on Monday at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital after being told she has stage four Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Three weeks ago, the St John’s RC Primary School pupil had complained of a sore lump on her shoulder following a dance competition and then had tests carried out last week which revealed the shocking news that she has cancer.
One of Lily’s dance tutors, Brooke Robertson, decided to start a crowd funding page with a goal of £3,000 to help her family’s expenses while the nine-year-old undergoes treatment in Edinburgh. Amazingly such has been the depth of support for Lily that a staggering £9,540 has already been raised in less than 24 hours.
Ms Robertson said the cancer diagnosis is “every parent’s worst nightmare” and highlighted the battle young Lily now faces.
“There was no warning, no symptoms – it came out of nowhere,” she said.
“Life has handed her the toughest of battles and she began her treatment on Monday at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital. It is such a rare form of cancer.
“As you can imagine her family are devastated and this is an extremely difficult time for them. We would like to help take some of the financial stress away from her parents, Jane and Scott, so they can concentrate on their daughter.
“All monies will go towards whatever they need at this time – help with their personal finances as they take time off from work, travel and accommodation to stay through in Edinburgh while Lily receives treatment and of course any future treatments/rehabilitation needed not available on the NHS.
“Further down the line there might be treatment needed outwith the NHS
She continued: “Lily is a huge local personality attending two dance schools in Perth – JGN Dance Attic and Inspire Dance Studios – and has won countless trophies and championships as well as performing in professional theatre productions in Scotland.
“She has so much to give this world and we, her dance family, are determined to help her win this battle. The two schools will be pulling together to fundraise.
“I know Lily and her family will appreciate every penny of donation. Her mother, Jane, is completely overwhelmed by the support given and we’re behind them every step of this journey.”
And posting on Facebook, Perth businessman Pete Chan added: “We want Jane to have no worries at all, whereupon she can concentrate on giving the wee star the love and care she so lovingly deserves.
“The next chapter undoubtedly will be difficult.”
Ewing Sarcoma is a type of bone cancer found in children and young people.
Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraising campaign should visit https://www.gofundme.com/support-our-lily.
