Nine-year-old Alexis plays football every day of the week.

By her own admission, it’s all she thinks about.

Between a mountain of washing and the constant back-and-forth trips in the car to training and matches, keeping on top of her packed schedule is almost a full-time job in itself for her supportive parents.

They never begrudge a second of it.

For two-and-a-half years, the sight of her running round on the park with a beaming smile seemed a world away as she was treated for leukaemia.

A set of beads in the family home chronicles every step of the way on the journey back to full fitness. One for every 1824 sessions.

It’s a sobering sight, but James and Lynn are quick to point out that brave Alexis never once complained.

In fact, she turned down opportunities to take advantage of days out and treats from various charities because she thought other children on her ward were more deserving.

It was that act of selflessness that led to the offer of a mascot appearance for Scotland’s Women’s World Cup play-off against Austria back in October – in front of a record competitive crowd at Hampden Park.

The heavy rain could do nothing to wipe the smile off Alexis’ face as she joined her SWNT heroes for the pre-match line-up.

That’s when she first met her favourite player, Erin Cuthbert – whose wonder-goal against Jamaica is never far from being replayed on the family iPad.

Standing there, overawed, at the National Stadium, Alexis could never have guessed that she’d get a second chance at rubbing shoulders with her idol just two months later.

Surprised after training two weeks ago with the offer of an all-expenses-paid trip to London – with help from our friends at adidas – little did she know that we had another trick up our sleeve.

Sitting in the adidas Flagship Store on London’s Oxford Street, Alexis waited patiently for her size of football boots to be delivered.

She didn’t expect them to come courtesy of Chelsea and Scotland star Erin.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house – between Alexis, Erin, or the watching customers and staff – as the pair hugged it out on the couch before a tour of the shop and kickabout for good measure.

Alexis said: “I couldn’t believe it when Erin walked out of the lift. That was the best surprise.

“When I was mascot, I was really nervous before I walked on to the pitch, but I was standing beside her, and she looked after me.

“Erin’s my favourite player. I like her because she scores great goals, and she works really hard for the team.

“I told her about a game recently when I scored a hat-trick. We were 3-1 down at half-time and we won 4-3. I dinked their goalkeeper to score one of them and I thought it was like one she would score.

“I picked the boots that Erin delivered to me because they’re the ones that she wears. Erin’s my hero.

“Football means so much to me. It’s my favourite thing and I probably think about it every second of the day. It’s helped me get healthier, get more confident and make a lot of new friends.”

It was an emotional day for the family, with James and Lynn delighted to see a wee girl who has been through so much – and, in turn, used that to do so much for others – take centre stage.

Lynn added: “It has been such a journey for Alexis and her day with Erin in London was so special.

“Erin only got back at 5am that morning from a Champions League game in Madrid, so we can’t thank her enough. She was great with Erin – on the day at the adidas store but also when she was mascot. She really did look after her and do everything she could to put her at ease. The same goes for the adidas staff across the store.

“After what she’s had to go through, it’s amazing to see her running around and enjoying her football. It gives us such a buzz.”

James added: “When you hear the word ‘leukaemia’, you think back to when we were children. It’s a loaded word.

“Thankfully we caught it early on and stayed on the lower level of treatment for two and a half years. The care she got was amazing.

“We wanted her to be a Scotland mascot so that she got that experience. She's a huge Scotland fan. Everything else on top of that has been incredible.”

Alexis waves her flag

Before Alexis and her family set off on the long trip back home, she let Erin in on a secret celebration she’d been working on – inspired by Scotland’s Lion Rampant.

She explained: “I want to play for Scotland when I grow up. I have practised my own celebration that I’d like to do if I score an important goal.

“You have to roar like a lion, and it was fun to do it with Erin. She said she’ll do it for me when she scores her next goal. I can’t wait to see that.

“She makes me want to work hard and keep practising in training. I hope I can do what she does one day.”

We want to help tell unique stories from every corner of the Scottish game. Is someone in your community making a difference through football? A character who's the heart and soul of your club? An individual in need of a pick-me-up? Let us know via story@scottishfa.co.uk.