Brave Lucy is making her family ‘so proud’

Nine-year-old Lucy is collecting one pence pieces from friends, neighbours, school friends and members of the public in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice, which has been caring for her dad Nik who has cancer.

She has already filled one two-foot-tall Coca Cola bottle with around £125-worth of penny coins - and she is determined to continue with her fundraising.

Lucy, who attends Bierton Church of England Combined School and has special needs, told the Herald: “I went to the hospice with my dad and the staff told me that they were raising money so I wanted to help.

“It’s been good fun, I’ve enjoyed putting the coins into the bottle and asking people for their pennies.

“I’ve been selling pencils for a pound and rubber ducks for £1.50.

“My school and my friends have all been really generous and helpful.”

Lucy has been visiting the hospice, in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, as the family look ahead to Nik eventually staying there.

And she had no hesitation in wanting to do her part after learning of the hospice’s fundraising efforts.

Mum Emma told the Herald: “Lucy asked me what the hospice do and I explained that they help people such as her daddy.

“She simply said ‘I’m in. I want to do something.’

“We all cope in different ways, and my other daughters Zoe and Nicole are both supporting Lucy, but this is what Lucy is really focused on and it’s helping her to get through this.”

The family were set to take their first bottle to the hospice this week - but Lucy is already planning to fill up another bottle as soon as possible.

Emma added: “Lucy has always liked to help other people, whether it’s raising money for the hospice or being one of her school’s junior road safety officers.

“We’re so proud of her.”