‘INSPIRATIONAL’ little Lilly MacGlashan is undergoing her next phase of life-saving cancer treatment in the US – but she hasn’t been forgotten back home
A rock concert in aid of the Neuroblastoma Alliance UK – the charity that helps Lilly and her family – is being held at the Peter Newton Pavilion in Skimpot Road on Friday, April 20.
It has been organised by 32-year-old Kevin Cutler, who works part-time at the Skimpot Tesco store and had his heart touched by two-year-old Lilly’s story.
In November he ran the Luton Marathon in aid of the Neuroblastoma Alliance after reading about the toddler’s cancer battle in the Dunstable Gazette, raising £1,200.
He said: “The treatment is so expensive and the story just stuck in my memory.
“She was my inspiration – I couldn’t have got to the end if I hadn’t been fundraising for her.”
The April 20 gig will see performances from local rock bands Set Your Sights, Kill The Image and Get To The Ship.
Lilly’s cancer is currently in remission and the MacGlashan family flew back out to New York on March 12, for the youngster to receive the antibody treatment that will give her an 80 per cent chance of remaining cancer-free.
The 3F8 antibody treatment, likely to cost a further £200,000 on top of the £500,000 her care has already cost, was unavailable to her in the UK because of a relapse she suffered early last year.
Even when the treatment is complete, she will need to return to the US several times a year for tests.
On the {http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-twin-baby-Lilly-live/146028668786013?ref=ts|‘Help Twin Baby Lilly Live’ Facebook page|Click here for the Facebook page}, her mum Dawn said: “Lilly is not sleeping properly since the last 3F8 treatment, she wakes up screaming in the night.
“Other than that, she is eating well, enjoying playing with her sister Molly and being with mummy and daddy.
“Today we are taking Lilly and Molly to the park for some fresh air, sunshine and fun.”
Kevin, of Sundon Park, Luton, met Lilly and her sister in person after bumping into Dawn at Tesco shortly after his marathon bid.
“She recognised me and invited me round to meet Lilly,” he said. “You wouldn’t know she was poorly, she was still running around with a big smile on her face.
“The family were so grateful for all the support they’ve had from so many people.”
Kevin has been given a specially discounted rate for the hire of the venue, and DJ Aidan Rat is giving up his time for free to spin tunes on the night.
> Tickets for the Lilly MacGlashan Benefit Rock Concert cost £5 and are available from {http://www.wegottickets.com|www.wegottickets.com|Click here to buy tickets}