In 2024, Lucy's Grandad, Derek Easton, died from a rare type of soft tissue cancer called retroperitoneal liposarcoma after six years of treatment at The Royal Marsden. Wanting to honour his memory and thank the hospital for the care he received, Lucy came up with the idea of selling plants to fundraise for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. One year later, raising more than £24,000, we spoke to Lucy about the story behind her success.
How did your fundraising begin?
The Royal Marsden were so kind to my Grandad Easton and gave him the gift of time with us for nearly 6 years. When Grandad died, I wanted to raise money for the Charity in his memory, to help other families like ours.
I wanted to do something that would make people happy. Flowers are something that always make people smile, so I thought I could grow some plants from seed and sell them. Over the summer of 2024, we kept an eye out for garden centres or anyone we knew giving away plants for free. We also started to grow some plants from seed.
My mum started a Facebook page to support me. So many people who knew my Grandad suddenly started coming round with pots, and bags of plants which they said I could save. Within a few short weeks, I started to have a stock of plants, and it grew from there.
We started with a little wooden cabinet but within two months, I needed something bigger. A local builder, who was one of my Grandad’s friends, built me a wooden stall, which is now packed with seasonal plants.
What are your favourite things about fundraising?
Knowing that my hard work will benefit a family like ours. The treatment and care my Grandad received from the specialists at The Royal Marsden meant that he had nearly six extra years with us - that was priceless.
I really enjoy running my stall. It’s lovely to meet people who come and buy plants from me. We found it was a nice way to cope after Grandad died and it felt good to do something positive.
I have learnt a lot; even my mum and nanny, who were never into gardening, can name lots of plants now. Looking after my stall is something we can do together. We often spend a Saturday afternoon re-potting plants, restocking my stall, and finding new seeds to plant.
What is the biggest lesson you've learnt from the plant sale?
That it doesn’t matter how much money you raise, the awareness it brings for the Charity is far more important. I have met so many people who’ve never heard of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity before. If they had, they’d assumed that the Charity only supports patients who live in London. They had no idea of the important work you do, and how it benefits people with cancer and their loved ones across the UK and beyond.
Is there a memorable story or moment from your fundraising that sticks out to you?
There are so many! Reaching my first £1000 was a huge achievement, as I just couldn’t believe how supportive the community were.
It’s also the little things. For example, going to a local garden centre to buy some compost, and the owner recognising me from my social media posts and saying, ‘no, compost is free for you today’.
I was potting some plants during the summer when a gentleman pulled into the driveway. He’d heard about my fundraising and had driven 20 miles to find my stall. He hadn’t come to buy anything but wanted to give me a plant which his sister had tended to for many years. She had sadly passed away from cancer, so he wanted to say thank you for trying to help.
Nothing will compare to my fundraising total being matched by an anonymous donor at Christmas though, bringing my total to nearly £24,652. The generosity of strangers is incredible, and that one gesture left me speechless. It was the best Christmas present I could’ve ever asked for!
What would you say to someone who wants to start fundraising?
Fundraising is so important as it helps develop life-saving treatments. I’m proud to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and know that Grandad would be so pleased to think that money was being raised in his memory. The plant sale can be hard work but people love to buy something, knowing that they’re directly helping a charity.
Do you have any future plans for the plant sale?
As long as I have the support of the community, I will continue to raise money. I hope that by doing so, I can help other people who have been affected by cancer.
Inspired by Lucy’s fundraising?
If you've read Lucy’s story and would like to support her, you can donate on her JustGiving page. To get involved yourself, you can find out the many different ways to fundraise for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Whether you support us by fundraising or donating, you are making a huge difference to the lives of cancer patients across the UK and around the world.