Television star Carol Vorderman flew into Dundee on Saturday to help a 17-year-old girl diagnosed with terminal cancer raise money for charity.
Royal Air Force Air Cadet Rebecca Dalgleish from North Berwick has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that affects soft bone tissue.
However, following her diagnosis she decided to raise £10,000 for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, which runs Rachel House hospice in Kinross.
Rebecca has already surpassed her target by more than £4,000, and after hearing her story, Carol Vorderman – who is an Honorary Ambassador Group Captain for the RAF cadets – flew from Gloucester to Dundee for a surprise visit.
Carol said: “I think her spirit is truly amazing. Rebecca is completely selfless and despite being given terrible news about her illness she has set to, dug in and is absolutely determined to make a difference.
“We are all in awe of Rebecca.”
During her visit to Tayside Aviation, which is based at Dundee Airport, Rebecca also received two top awards, a Special Commendation from Commandant Air Cadets and the Andy Swierczek Award for her determination.
Carol also presented her with a limited edition print signed by the RAF Red Arrows.
Rebecca was also given a tour of the facilities and a three-aircraft flypast by the Tayside Aviation Grob Formation Team.
Rebecca has been a cadet for four years and has completed her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and is halfway through her Silver.
Her Commanding Officer Flt Lt Iain Edmans said: “Rebecca puts in lots of time for community events, which has resulted in a Saltire Award for completing over 100 hours of volunteering and is very committed to the squadron. She was a member of the Squadron team which won the Wing Swimming Gala in 2013 and has run 10k event to raise funds for the Sick Kids Friends’ Foundation. The latter supports the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh where her younger brother has been a patient for over 10 years.
“Her news has been a shock to everyone but typical of her character, just after receiving her bad news that her illness was terminal, she immediately decided to raise money for CHAS, the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.
“Becky is the sort of cadet who stands outside all weekend doing fund raising for the Royal British Legion poppy collection and she is a stalwart – a real trooper.
“She had chemo and radiotherapy and was even doing her air cadet syllabus work in her hospital bed last year – she was promoted whilst in hospital.”
On her justgiving page Rebecca states: “I am raising money for CHAS for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, (CHAS) because they have helped me and my family.
“Even though I have cancer, there is lots I still want to achieve in my life. Time left to have fun, make plans and to live. I hope to raise at least £5,000 by having coffee mornings, dances and dares (including bungee jumping and skydiving!).”