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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Melanie Bonn

Lewis Capaldi and Arlene Phillips appear at Perth teen Lily Douglas' 'celebration of life'

A celebration of life, organised as a public demonstration of love for Lily Douglas who sadly died in Perth on January 23, had special guest - her friends Lewis Capaldi and Dame Arlene Phillips.

St Matthew's Church was filled with invited guests who had come to see and hear tributes to the young woman who had won so many hearts.

Mourners gather in Tay Street (Richard Wilkins)

Fourteen-year old Lily, who discovered she had cancer aged nine, continued to enter - and win - dance competitions despite her illness and treatment sapping her strength.

She spent her time recently following others in the world of entertainment and made special friends with dance choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips, the dancers from Strictly Come Dancing and members of Scottish Ballet.

But perhaps the supporter and pal she was most proud of was the singer Lewis Capaldi. Lily was allowed to meet him and go backstage when he played at TRNSMT in Glasgow in 2019. Her mum said it was one of her mot exciting moments.

Lewis quietly came to attend Lily's send-off in the Perth church, St Matthew's on Tay street. He came to the front of the church and sang his most famous song.

Lily's mother Jane Douglas (Richard Wilkins)

So many people had followed the St John's Academy pupil through her almost five year health battle that when it came to arranging the day of celebration on February 11, screens were put up outside the church and Tay Street was closed to cars so the event could reach everyone who came to pay their respects.

Thousands watched from home as the service at 2.30pm was livestreamed.

Fireworks will light up the sky above the city of Perth at 6.30pm tonight.

Lily will be buried on Monday 14 - Valentine's Day - in a private service.

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