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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Carroll

Scots cancer teen Lily Douglas to be laid to rest today in 'celebration of her life'

Scots cancer teen Lily Douglas will be laid to rest this afternoon in what has been described as a 'celebration of her life'.

The 14-year-old's funeral will take place in St Matthew's Church on Tay Street, Perth, at 2.30pm on Friday.

Lily bravely battled Ewing Sarcoma - a rare type of cancer that affects bones or the tissue around bones - since 2017.

She arrived at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary on Friday, January 14 to begin a potential breakthrough drug trial, but before doctors could get started, she suffered a brain bleed.

Tragically the youngster, from Perth, died on Sunday, January 23.

Lily Douglas, from Perth, inspired others with her brave cancer battle. (Internet grab Jane Douglas FB)

The funeral service is invite only but will be live streamed for those wishing to take part.

Those who have not received an invite can also watch the service on a large screen outside the church this afternoon.

There will then be a 14 minute firework display in memory of Lily at the Norie-Miller Walk by the River Tay in at around 6.30pm.

Tay Street will be closed for the celebration and Lily will be buried privately on Monday.

Meanwhile, there is also set be a procession around her school and the town.

After Lily suffered a brain bleed medics told her mum Jane that they were not sure if she would last the night and that if she did survive, they 'didn't know what damage would be done'.

Brave Lily managed to open her eyes and was able to chat to her mum, eat something and even check her phone for messages.

But Jane later confirmed the youngster had 'danced her way to heaven' after passing away that evening.

In a statement issued on Facebook, Jane wrote: "Her heart failed but she was on the sofa at home, cuddled into me where she wanted to be.

"She will leave a massive hole in my heart. If love could have saved her she would have lived to a million years old.

"She is at peace and is finally in no more pain.

Lily Douglas and Lewis Capaldi at TRNSMT (Daily Record)

"Even with cancer, Lily lived her best life and was loved by everyone. I hope I made her proud.

"I was her mum, we were a great team.

"It's not goodbye, she will be waiting on me. It's only time that will keep us apart."

Lily had befriended a number of celebrities over the last few years but particularly Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips.

Lily with proud mum Jane (L) and Dame Arlene Phillips at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards (Daily Record)

Among a string of tributes from various public figures, Arlene said: "No words can express the way I feel tonight only love and loss that Lily Douglas passed away in the arms of her beautiful mummy Jane.

"My heart goes out to Jane and Lily’s brother Leon and to her family and all those that loved her.

"I was lucky to be one of those that knew her and I treasure the times I spent with her and will hold her beautiful smile in my heart.

"Bless you darling Lily. You will be so missed."

Donations will be taken at the church for Lily’s Legacy, a charity to be created in memory of our beautiful Lily.

To live stream the funeral, click here.

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