Lily Johnson wanted to buy hand cream for key workers, as she was concerned about their skin getting “dry and sore” from washing their hands and wearing PPE.
She initially planned to purchase the items with her own pocket money, but after discussing the idea with mum Leanne, she decided to fundraise by baking cakes and cleaning cars.
Lily, said: “I just started it. I washed cars and made cakes. The cars are pretty big, so that is what made it really hard. I also like baking. I made chocolate and vanilla cakes. I sold them to some of my friends, mummy’s friends and the neighbourhood. I am really pleased.”
Leanne said Lily was “really struggling with being out of school” and wanted to do something proactive to help the nurses and doctors working on the frontline.
Leanne said: “Lily just said she felt sad because when they have the gloves on their hands, and the masks on, their skin gets really dry and sore. She wanted to buy them some hand cream out of her own pocket money, but I said that might be too expensive so let’s find a way to raise some money.”
In less than three weeks, Lily sold more than 200 cakes and cleaned 10 cars, raising £1,218.19. She totally smashed her original target of £100!
She subsequently used the money to purchase 300 lip balms, 456 hand creams and 48 hand sanitisers for key workers.
She also delivered 30 packages to her local GP practice Giffard Drive Surgery.
On Thursday 11th June, Lily and her wonderful family delivered hand creams, body lotions, lip balms and a hamper to staff at Frimley Park Hospital. Lily also wants to grow up to be doctor! With you all the way Lily-keep us posted!
Andrew House, director of Frimley Health Charity, said: “Lily is a star and a perfect example of the wonderful community support that has lifted the spirits of staff at Frimley Park Hospital. Everyone here at Frimley Park would like to say a huge thank you to Lily for her great fundraising achievement.”
Emma Carr, the charity’s communications manager, added: “Lily is such an inspiration for others who want to fundraise. To have a vision to give our doctors and nurses hand creams during the COVID-19 pandemic by ways of raising funds, is incredible.
“Four A&E nurses found a time to come and say thank you too, as they are so grateful and were in awe of Lily’s efforts and generosity. She has shown anyone, of any age can help support their hospital charity. Thank you, Lily.”