Organisers reveal online vigil to remember brave Lily - The Evesham Observer

Organisers reveal online vigil to remember brave Lily

Evesham Editorial 8th Sep, 2020   0

DEVASTATED friends of the family of a brave Drakes Broughton nine-year-old who lost her heroic three-year fight against acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have organised an online candle vigil in her memory.

Lily May Filmer passed away on Saturday (September 5) at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester with her family around her.

Family friends have organised the vigil on Saturday (September 12) from 7pm and hope as many as possible across the county take part.

Organisers are asking people to light a candle at home and post a photograph or video with the hashtags #lightsforlily and #lilysfreedomfight




Close friend of the family Sarah Mellish said: “The outpouring of genuine grief in our community goes some way in helping Lily’s family as they face every parent’s nightmare.

“Lily was a beautiful little girl full of life who loved all things purple and butterflies. Lighting candles is a symbol of peace and her parents thought it a fitting way for people to be able to pay their respects.


The youngster returned to Acorns late last week after her condition worsened to allow her devoted family to say goodbye.

Writing on her Facebook page, devastated mum Kayleigh Chapman said: “Our lives will never be the same without that beautiful smile and that sassy attitude.”

“Fly high my little angel, we love you loads and loads Lily Bug”

The Observer first reported on Lily May’s inspirational fight against the aggressive form of leukaemia in April 2018 when local businesses made it possible for the family to enjoy a trip to Disneyland.

After being diagnosed in May 2017 at the age of five, Lily May completed a gruelling two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy and rang the bell to mark the end of her treatment in August last year.

Her family’s joy was short-lived however as Lily relapsed in December which meant further treatment for the nine-year-old.

Following a bone marrow transplant on May 26, the family were just four days away from bringing her home once again when they were dealt a devastating blow that Lily needed to be moved to Acorns for end of life care.

Although Lily defied the odds to return to Birmingham Children’s Hospital after a small improvement in her condition, the brave fighter returned to the Bath Road hospice for what her family described as her ‘forever sleep’.

Visit www.facebook.com/events/851301122074752 or www.facebook.com/Lilys-freedom-fight for more.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Evesham Observer.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.