Scots girl, 6, dies after rare cancer battle as plea issued for Scotland-Brazil tribute

Layla Gillespie, who had been battling rare cancer, sadly passed away earlier this month, aged just six.

A Scots schoolgirl has died after battling rare cancer since the age of two. Layla Gillespie, six, from Larkhall, Lanarkshire, had stage three Ependymoma, which is a growth of cells that forms in the brain or spinal cord.

She underwent major radiotherapy treatment but relapsed and passed away on June 13. The Tartan Army have now been urged to hold a minute’s applause for the tragic youngster during Scotland’s third World Cup match against Brazil tonight.

SMILE Children’s Charity paid tribute to the “brave” girl in a post earlier this week confirming her passing. They asked Scotland fans in Miami to hold a minute’s applause in the sixth minute of the game in honour of “beautiful” Layla.

A SMILE spokesperson said: “Last Saturday, June 13, one of our precious SMILE children sadly passed away. Layla was just six years old, but in her short life she touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime.

“She was the most beautiful, courageous and special little girl. Layla lit up every room she entered with her smile, her laughter and her incredible spirit.

“Having battled cancer since she was just two years old, Layla faced every challenge with a strength that inspired everyone who knew her. She was deeply loved and will be forever missed.”

The post went on: “As Scotland prepare to take on Brazil, we have one small request for the incredible Tartan Army.

“If you are attending the match, please consider wearing Scotland’s iconic red and purple kit and, in the sixth minute of the game, join together in the loudest applause possible in honour of our beautiful Layla.

“Six years old. Six minutes. Let’s show the world just how much impact one little girl can have. Let’s celebrate her courage, her smile and the love she brought to so many lives. Forever six. Forever loved. Forever our Layla.”

The Record previously reported how Layla’s parents, Darren Gillespie and Ashley Hamilton, had set up a GoFundMe page to get Layla to Disneyland to meet her favourite princesses after her cancer relapsed in 2024.

Ashley said at the time: “When we were in hospital on Christmas Day the nurses were asking her what Santa had brought and she informed them she was going to Disneyland… She has no idea Disneyland isn’t just up the road.

“When we were told about the relapse that’s when I realised we needed to do something to make sure she gets her wish… It just shows the amount of people she has touched. Layla loves life and sees everyday as an adventure.”

Steve Clarke’s men take on Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the Group C match against Brazil at the Hard Rock Stadium tonight. A draw against the Samba superstars would all-but guarantee qualification through a group at a major tournament for the very first time, while even a loss might be enough if results in other groups go our way.

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.