Rebecca Dalgleish’s legend will live on, mum says

THE parents of a inspiring teenager who used her last months to raise over £60,000 for charity have paid tribute to their “beautiful and amazing” daughter.
Rebecca Dalgleish has died after battling cancer. Picture: Deadline NewsRebecca Dalgleish has died after battling cancer. Picture: Deadline News
Rebecca Dalgleish has died after battling cancer. Picture: Deadline News

Rebecca Dalgleish was diagnosed with terminal nerve sheath cancer in January and devoted her remaining 11 months of life to raising cash for the children’s hospice which helped her.

The teenager, who died on Thursday evening, also left behind a posthumous blog in which she urged the public to change their perception of hospices.

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She movingly wrote there is more “laughing and playing” than “people crying in corners.”

The 18-year-old, from Kingston in East Lothian, also wrote honestly about the horrendous pain she suffered.

Rebecca, known as Becky, completed a “bucket list” of ambitions including a sleigh ride with huskies, although a planned bungee jump did not happen due to her failing health.

She raised £60,846.70 for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

In a post titled “At Peace”, Mum and dad Pam and Richard wrote: “Sadly on Thursday at 6:35 pm our beautiful Rebecca lost her battle with cancer.

“Everyone who knew Rebecca will agree she was amazing. She approached her illness with courage and determination and with a breathtaking ability even when she very ill to think of others.

“We all very proud with all the money she raised for charity and know her legend will live on.”

The same day she died, a post written by Rebecca in October but not published was uploaded. It details her trip to the CHAS hospice in Kinross.

It said: “So I’m just back from a lovely, relaxing time.

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“I hope this and my other posts about Rachel House, may change the public’s perspective on hospices.

“Anyway while I was there and sore most of the time I got my bed wheeled from my bedroom to the lounge area, where I got to judge a pumpkin carving competition.”

Writing about her time in the hospice, she added: “Yes it occasionally has its sad points, as most would expect, however most of the time there is laughing, playing, decorating and doing activities such as story telling and T-shirt styling.

“Both children and adults are happy (given their situation) here at Rachel house, making the hospice not really fit its stereotype (of people crying in the corners and everyone feeling sad and down) at all!”

Ian Gray, the family’s local MSP, wrote on Twitter: “Very sad news. Thoughts with Rebecca’s family .”

And another Twitter user called Monicle wrote: “Rest in peace. You touched so many people with your story and truly are an inspiration to everyone.”

Rebecca’s charity appeal is online at: www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Dalgleish.

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