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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Naina Bhardwaj

Lily Douglas' heartbroken dance teacher launches fundraiser to help tragic teen's family

Lily Douglas' heartbroken dance teacher has launched a fundraiser to help the tragic teen's family celebrate her life.

The late teenager's mum, Jane, shared the news that she had "dancer her way to heaven" in a social media post on Sunday January 23.

Lily, from Perth, had been battling Ewing Sarcoma - a rare type of cancer which affects bones or the tissue around bones - since 2017.

The 14-year-old had been set to begin a breakthrough drug trial at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on Friday, January 14.

However, Lily suffered from a brain bleed shortly before, with medics unsure of whether she would survive the night following it.

Lily opened her eyes on Sunday and managed to chat with her mum, eat and check her phone (Jane Douglas)

Despite being able to open her eyes, chat to her mum, eat and check her phone on Sunday, she passed away at 7.17pm that day.

Now, Lily's dance teacher and family friend, Erin McNicol, has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with funeral expenses.

She wrote: "My name is Erin, I’m Lily’s dance teacher & family friend and I’m asking once again for everyone’s help!

"[On] Sunday the 23rd of January 2022 at 7.17pm our beautiful girl danced her way to heaven.

"Lily was battling Ewing’s Sarcoma & has fought so unbelievably hard for almost 5 years.

Lily was a champion dancer (Daily Record)

"Her strength and determination were impeccable, she radiated light and positivity throughout and she was so unapologetically brave!

"I’m here asking you to help us give Lily the celebration of her life she deserves.

"I’d love to raise as much as physically possible to help Jane and her family at this awful time so they don’t need to worry about money and don’t have that financial burden."

Erin said Lily "radiated light" (Jane Douglas)

The teenager's bravery was recognised when she was crowned Teenager of Courage at the Pride of Scotland Awards last year.

Lily also caught the attention of celebrities including Lewis Capaldi who she shared the stage with at TRNSMT 2019.

They also later appeared in a TikTok video after striking up a friendship over Instagram.

Celebrities, many of whom Lily had befriended in recent years, wrote tributes to her following her passing.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips had become a good family friend and paid her respects on Instagram.

Lily Douglas and Lewis Capaldi at TRNSMT (Daily Record)

She wrote: "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."

Fellow dancer Amy Dowden penned: "Heartbroken. Such a beautiful girl and dancer! And inspiration! Rest in peace darling xxxxx"

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

Comedian Alan Carr commented: "How awful. Sending you so much love"

Alesha Dixon shared a pictured a picture of Lily on her Instagram story with the message: "Beautiful Lily. Rest in eternal peace angel."

Scottish Love Island winner Paige Turley said: "I am so so sorry. Lily was such a beautiful soul.

"Sending lots of love to you guys at this time."

Scots Love Island contestant Shannon Singh added: "Sending you all so much love"

Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister John Swinney led the tributes from the Scottish Government.

He tweeted: "Heartbreaking news this morning. My deepest sympathy to Lily’s family and friends.

"A light in all of our lives."

To donate to the fundraiser, please click here.

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