The family of 14-year-old dancer Lily Douglas has struggled to find a venue big enough in Perth to hold all those who would wish to attend a celebration of her life.
People close to Lily from all over the world will be coming to Perth later this week.
The send-off for the St John’s RC Academy “superstar” schoolgirl, who passed away on January 23 following a brave battle with cancer, will be held on Friday, February 11 at St Matthew’s Church on Tay Street.
On the day, her mum Jane will announce plans for a new legacy charity in Lily’s name.
Lily’s celebration of life will be live-streamed and the road outside the church will close so people can gather to watch a video of the champion dancer’s best moments.
The service at 2.30pm will be beamed from inside - where there is space only for invited guests - onto giant screens in the street so that the large number of members of the public expected to show respect for the Perth teenager can spread out and watch from a distance.
Jane explained “there was simply no church or venue big enough” to get everyone inside.
She asked that people attending “wear anything” they wished, “with a touch of pink for my girl.”
On Saturday, James Carcary Funeral Directors posted on behalf of the family, explaining the plan for the day: “Lily’s celebration of life will take place on Friday, February 11 at 2.30pm in St Matthew’s Church.
“As you all know, Lily was known and loved by lots of people near and far.
“Sadly, we have had to make the decision to make the celebration of her amazing short life by invite only.
“Family flowers only, please, but donations would be greatly appreciated, at the church, for Lily’s Legacy, a charity to be created in memory of our beautiful Lily.
“However, if you have not received a personal invite to Lily’s celebration, please, if you can, do come and join us celebrate her life outside St Matthew’s Church where a large screen will be streaming the service.
“The road will be closed for the celebration and there will be a link available soon so you can stream the live service.”
Lily will be buried privately on Monday, February 14.
There will be a procession around her school and also around the Fair City.
