Inspirational teenager Rebecca Dalgleish’s heart “skipped a beat” after The Sunday Post arranged for her to meet her idol, Olly Murs.
And there are more surprises to come, thanks to kind-hearted businesses, charities and well-wishers across the country.
Brave Rebecca, who told us last week she was determined to live life to the max after a terminal cancer diagnosis, has been inundated with messages of support.
The selfless 17-year-old, of North Berwick, has dedicated her last days to raising money to help other youngsters battling life-shortening illness.
She has collected almost £30,000 for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) since her prognosis in January.
After we published our story, anonymous donors sent money to Rebecca’s cause and she received hundreds of hits on her website from people touched by her plight.
And when we heard she was attending Olly Murs’ concert at Glasgow’s Hydro on Wednesday, we sorted it for Rebecca to meet the star backstage.
Children’s charity Rays of Sunshine helped us grant Rebecca’s wish to have a chat with the cheeky chap ahead of his performance to an audience of 12,000.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Rebecca said. “A great surprise. Olly was lovely. He asked about my diagnosis and said I was pretty brave. He genuinely seemed to care, which was nice.
“I still haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Rox the jewellers in the city’s Argyle Arcade kept the smiles coming when they gifted her the rose gold Michael Kors watch on her wish list, as well as a matching friendship bracelet.
Rebecca, who’s set to celebrate her 18th birthday in June, said: “I feel like a celebrity. I couldn’t be more delighted with the gifts. They have definitely made the fundraising all the more worthwhile but that’s not why I am doing it.
“I don’t want to die in vain, I want to be remembered for making a difference for others. Time is ticking for me and there is so much I want to do in terms of fundraising and raising awareness of teenage cancer and of CHAS.”
Louise Gill, marketing manager for Rox, was happy to help. “She’s amazing and deserves a reward for her efforts,” she said.
And there are more treats in store for Rebecca in the coming weeks. The Dome in Edinburgh are planning a plush afternoon tea for her and mum Pam later this month; Harvey Nichols have promised to lay on an experience at their Chocolate Lounge for the sweet-toothed teen and Skydive St Andrews offered to sponsor a skydive and Activity Scotland a bungee jump both on Becky’s ‘To do’ list.
As Rebecca’s tumour is located in her pelvis, it limits her ability to walk or even sit, so she may not be able to do these for medical reasons. But mum Pam joked she may take on the challenges on Rebecca’s behalf!
“It’s just been a fantastic week of lovely news,” Pam said. “Rebecca has thrown her heart and soul into fundraising and never asked for anything in return, so it’s lovely for her to have some nice experiences to look forward to.
“We can’t thank The Sunday Post and everyone else enough for their generosity and support.
“This week will go down as one of Rebecca’s most amazing so far and, even though she tires easily, we’re spreading things out over the next few weeks. So that means the excitement will go on for longer!”
Donate at justgiving.com/rebecca-dalgleish. Read her blog at beccadalgleish.wordpress.com
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