The mother of inspirational Lily Douglas spoke today of the anguish of life without her daughter.
Lily (14) was said to be “at peace and in no more pain” on Sunday evening after a five-year battle with a rare type of cancer.
Mum Jane was with her girl at home in Perth when the teenager died in her embrace on January 23.
The morning after, Jane posted a heart-breaking message to her on Facebook: “I don’t know how to live without you my beautiful Lily.
“I am walking round the house and you are all around me, it is silent so very strange, I don’t know why this happened I guess you were too good for this earth. I will love you to the end of time.
“Loving you was the easiest thing I ever done. We were joined at the hip from the moment you were born, 14 years of precious, precious times.
“I am broken but promise to stay strong for you and [brother] Leon.
“Go dance with the angels, Princess. I will make sure no one ever forgets you.”
And it is certain that she will never be forgotten.
Lily, from North Muirton in Perth, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma - a rare type of cancer that affects bones or the tissue around bones - when she was just nine.
She arrived at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary on Friday, January 14 to begin a potential breakthrough drug trial but the day after, before doctors could get started, she suffered a brain bleed.
Medics told Jane they were not sure if Lily would last the night.
She managed to open her eyes on January 16 and was able to chat to her mum, eat something and even check her phone for messages.
She was allowed to go home to Scotland as Jane asked for privacy and prayers.
But on Sunday Jane confirmed the youngster had “danced her way to heaven” after passing away at 7.17pm.
In a statement on Facebook, Jane wrote: “Her heart failed but she was on the sofa at home, cuddled into me where she wanted to be.
“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.”
Jane added: “Even with cancer, Lily lived her best life and was loved by everyone. I hope I made her proud.”
Fellow young dancers across Perthshire changed their social media profile pictures to images of Lily out of respect as the news sank in.
Lily's first steps into the spotlight were as a baton twirler. Admirers said she could dance from soon after she could walk.
Elizabeth Newman, artistic director at Pitlochry Theatre where Lily did a festive show said: "Everyone at Pitlochry Festival Theatre was very sorry to hear about Lily Douglas.
"Lots of staff were lucky enough to meet Lily when she was in our Young Company for Scrooge in 2016. Many people at PFT have such fond memories of Lily and her love of the Theatre. She's always been described as a very bright, kind, and energetic young person."
Her main dance teacher was Erin McNicol, said to be her greatest supporter. Erin taught Lily freestyle dance at Inspire dance Studios in Perth and then at her own studios, Vibe. Erin became like family and has been supporting Jane right through difficult recent times.
Erin said: "Lily, 'my Wee Peach', life without you doesn’t bare thinking about but I know you’ll walk beside us every day. Blessed to have been your teacher, honoured to be your best friend and privileged to be your sister."
Lily's dance success continued with Jackie Nicoll at the Fair City's JGN Dance Attic saw her achieve the world champion title for street dance.
Brooke Robertson from Inspire Dance Studios in Perth, where Lily attended to do ballet, tap, jazz and stage, summed up how heart-breakingly sad it was to know the talented youngster had died.
She said: “I think you can see from social media just how many hearts she touched. A force to be reckoned with.
“The kindest kid with the biggest talent and a smile that lit up everyone’s world.
“There’s a huge hole in the heart of the dance world this morning. But we’re grateful for the memories and blessed to have been part of her life.”
A short distance away in Craigie, close family friends were distraught. Pete Chan, dad to Lily’s pal Yasmin, described the mood as “devastated.”
“Lily fought like a warrior till she could fight no more,” he said. “No child should ever have went through what Lily endured.”
And he added: “Lily had a smile that would ‘touch’ and inspire thousands.”
Portrait painter to the stars Gerard M Burns painted a stunning picture of Lily, first unveiled at Gleneagles Hotel.
Burns has painted Billy Connolly and Ewan McGregor.
The artist said: “It’s a privilege to have had the chance to be a part of her short life, and to have had the opportunity to work with her to create a painting which will become more precious every day now that she’s gone.”
Lily’s great pleasure was to meet celebrities and she had a special place in the hearts of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing.
Two years ago she had her picture taken beside all the best-known faces, from AJ Pritchard to Johannes Radebe. Even Craig Revel Horwood beamed in a hug with Lily.
Dance school principal and choreographer Nadine McKenzie Judge recently arranged for the Strictly Live crew to record a cheering message for Lily.
On hearing of Lily’s passing , Nadine, who first met Lily when she was competing aged eight, wrote: “Our darling Lily, if love was going to save you, you would be here for eternity.
“Fly high beautiful Lily, dancing and singing with the angels.”
Perth and Kinross Provost Dennis Melloy also paid tribute to Lily. He was beside her when she switched on the Christmas lights in Perth in 2019.
Provost Melloy said: “Lily’s courage and dignity was inspiring, and she brought joy and light into the lives of so many people, not just in Perth and Kinross but the entire country.’’
Deputy First Minister John Swinney led tributes from the Scottish Government: “My deepest sympathy to Lily’s family and friends.
“A light in all of our lives.”
Famous people from Dame Arlene Philips to Alesha Dixon added their words of comfort to Lily's family.
