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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Heather Greenaway

Lily Douglas' mum on moment inspirational daughter danced into nation's hearts at Pride of Scotland 2021

When dancing angel Lily Douglas was laid to rest last week, a floral replica of her Pride of Scotland trophy was placed on her grave.

Being crowned Teenager of Courage at last year's awards meant the world to the brave Perth schoolgirl, whose courageous five-year battle with Ewing's sarcoma - a rare form of cancer - won the hearts of the nation.

Lily, 14, who "danced her way into heaven" on January 23, was buried on Valentine's Day in the beautiful dress she wore to the glittering ceremony.

Today, as we launch our search for the unsung heroes of 2022, Lily's mum Jane tells of the joy her daughter's Pride of Scotland award brought at a time when she needed it most.

Jane, 52, who was her little girl's rock throughout her cancer battle, said: "Lily winning meant the world to her and us as a family.

"She had won hundreds of dancing trophies over the years but it's her Pride of Scotland award that sits in our living room. It's so special.

"We had a replica of the angel trophy done in flowers for her celebration of life at St Matthew's Church in Perth and it now sits on her grave.

"We have so many incredible memories of that special night - from meeting the other winners and hearing their stories to Dame Arlene Phillips presenting Lily with her award.

"Lily's face when Arlene appeared on the red carpet said it all. It's a photo I'll treasure forever.

"Arlene has become like part of our family since meeting at the Pride of Scotland awards and spoke at Lily's celebration.

"Lily loved the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and we laid her to rest in her Pride of Scotland dress - that's how much that one special night meant to her and us."

Speaking at a memorial service for the teenager, Arlene said Lily inspired everyone she met with her infectious smile and personality.

She added Lily had also given her the courage to go on ITV reality show I'm A Celebrity. She said at the time: "Lily has stolen a little bit of my heart. For me, the only way I can think of Lily is ... magical.

"She represents everything magical. She enchants everyone who meets her. She is loved by anyone who has the chance to get to know her. And she spreads love everywhere.

"Her shining spirit gets inside you, her smile burns a hole in your heart and it never ever leaves you. It is there when you wake up. It is there when you go to bed.

"Like a young goddess, her presence is all around - and it is all around us. How rare in life is it that someone's spirit can surround you and be inside you."

Jane is determined that Lily, who was also friends with Lewis Capaldi and Alesha Dixon, will live on in everyone's hearts and is in the process of setting up a charity in her memory.

She said: "Lily's Legacy will help others, just like she did. Lily loved helping the homeless so that will be on our list, as will helping kids in hospital.

"Lily was the Pride of Perth, the Pride of Scotland and the Pride of all our hearts. She was kind, caring and magical. I still feel her around me every day. She keeps sending me rainbows.

"Her memory will live on and help others. She was a warrior and we want to carry on where she left off - showing kindness to as many people as we can."

In 2020, after watching the heroic efforts of Captain Tom Moore, Lily, who was a champion dancer before she lost the ability to walk unaided, was inspired to try her own challenge and raised more than £4000 for NHS Charities by trying to take a few steps on her frame.

Her determination earned her the Teenager of Courage Award.

Today, as we eagerly await hearing of others, like Lily, who have made a difference in our communities, we launch nominations for this year's awards.

From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, it's no wonder the Pride of Scotland has been hailed as the People's Oscars.

The combination of big hearts and big stars have made the Daily RECORD Pride of Scotland Awards , in partnership with TSB, a runaway success.

The details of this year's ceremony, which is set to be a summer spectacular at an iconic venue, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Robin Bulloch, CEO (interim) of TSB, said: "The last two years have shown us all, more than ever, the importance and the incredible power of strong communities.

"At TSB, we're proud to continue our partnership with THE Pride ofScotland. Awards - a celebration of amazing acts of kindness and courage in the face of adversity from people up and down the country."

David Dick, editor-in-chief of Reach (Scotland.) said: "Heroes come in every shape and size. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transforms the lives of others - in one simple act or in a lifetime's work.

"Pride of Scotland is a celebration of their achievements."

How to nominate

You can nominate an unsung hero for a Pride of Scotland Award, in partnership with TSB, by going to the prideofscotland.org website. The closing date is Friday, April 1.

Categories

Outstanding Bravery - For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.

Child/Teenager of Courage - For battling against the odds to help others or putting themselves at risk to save lives.

Young Fundraiser of the Year - To reward a person aged 16 or under for inspirational charity work.

Emergency Services - For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others.

Lifetime Achievement - To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.

TSB Community Hero - Celebrating the extraordinary people who have a positive impact on the lives of others.

Special Recognition - For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of the Armed Forces.

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