Young Barrow resident Lilly-Mae Grimes has been applauded for her fundraising efforts, having raised over £1,000 for two charities close to her heart.
Lilly, 11, has raised over £500 for CancerCare. We have supported her since 2023 after she lost several family members to cancer.
During 2023, Lilly’s biological father and her two grandfathers all died within the space of 12 months. Her stepdad has also since being diagnosed with terminal cancer and is being cared for at The Christie in Manchester.
Lilly has benefitted from CancerCare’s Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS), having regular one-to-one counselling sessions at CancerCare’s Barrow Centre on Duke Street. This year, CancerCare marks 20 years of delivering our vital children’s services within the community.
For the past two years, the Barrow Centre’s CYPS services have been generously supported by the Walney Extension Community Fund.
Lilly decided she wanted to hold her own fundraiser to give something back to the charity.
Lilly’s mother, Clare Galbraith, explained. “Lilly decided she wanted to sell pens. Lilly designed them all herself and she’s spent a lot of time making them. Each pen is unique.”
Clare and Lilly initially heard about CancerCare’s services from a teacher at Lilly’s school.
“Lilly was really struggling and she has benefited from therapy so much,” Clare continued.
“I notice such a difference in her after her sessions; she’s like a different child on those days. Coming to CancerCare is like an escape for her. Unfortunately, she doesn’t really get away from it all at home as her stepdad is terminal. Her current therapist, Helen, has been amazing with her.”
In 2024, Lilly won ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ at the Love Barrow Award. She was the youngest finalist in the competition.
The young creative’s fundraising is far from finished. She has just launched her own water bottles, key rings and book marks which also have unique designs.
Lilly’s items are currently available to purchase in CancerCare’s Barrow Centre on Duke Street, at Bio Skyn in Barrow and at A & L Discounts on Dalton Road in Barrow.
CancerCare provides a range of services for children affected by cancer or any type of bereavement. Please contact us for more information.