Lily's Story

Picture of Prince Harry with Lily, Willow and their mum Shirley

Lily Slater was a happy, bubbly three year old when she was struck down with a brain tumour which left her fighting for her life.

Her mum and dad lived through the torment of not knowing whether their beautiful little girl was going to live or die while her twin sister Willow did all she could to comfort her inseparable companion.

Lily and Willow were born prematurely but everything seemed fine until 2007 when their parents started to notice a change in Lily’s behaviour - she suddenly started to be sick and also appeared unsteady and clumsy. Her parents’ worst fears were realised when she found to have a malignant brain tumour. Lily had a tumour removed in 2007 and has since had radiotherapy. Now she has to visit the hospital every day for chemotherapy. But the brave little girl never complains, says she loves hospital and even comforts younger children who are having treatment.

Her sister Willow is with her every step of the way, going to hospital with her and telling visitors: "I'm helping my sister because she's got a poorly head."

Mum Shirley says: "They have always been inseparable and since we knew Lily was ill, every time she had to stay in hospital, Willow went too. She'd snuggle in bed with her and take her treats. And when Lily lost her hair due to chemo, Willow demanded we get her hair cut short too. Now Lily is in remission we're hoping they can enjoy some happy experiences."

Little Lily’s courage has been rewarded with a WellChild bravery award. Her mum said it was something for Lily and the family to look forward to instead of the constant round of hospital visits and chemotherapy sessions the little girl has to endure.

“She was very excited because we were coming to London. I explained who Prince Harry was and we went to Madame Tussauds to see his waxwork so she knew who he was. It was really good. She hadn’t been very well the week before, she was very tired and had to go to hospital but on the night she was brilliant, she met Prince Harry and got really spoilt. So did Willow, she got to meet Harry too. Everyone was great with the girls and made a real fuss of them.

“When you are going through something like Lily’s illness the awards were something to look forward to. It’s something rather than just constant visits to hospitals and having chemotherapy.  So we really enjoyed the WellChild awards.”

Lily’s mum says she has coped with her treatment incredibly well, loves going to hospital and helps calm younger children when they are having chemotherapy. Lily is now in remission and has an excellent chance of making a full recovery.

 “Lily is doing great now, she has put on some weight and looks a totally different girl from when she was so ill, she’s doing fine and is at school.”