At just 11 years old, Lucy Aker is not your average entrepreneur.
The Canterbury preteen is using her entrepreneurial spirit to raise money for children battling cancer, all in memory of her best friend, Eva Sallabanks. Last year, she raised more than $1100 for the Child Cancer Foundation.
Lucy first met Eva at school five years ago.
“Eva was new at school, and she looked nice, so I decided to go and ask her if she wanted to be my friend.”
The two quickly became best friends, but that bond was tested when Eva was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Determined to help, Lucy, with the support of her mother Emma, began selling jewellery she had made herself, donating the proceeds to Eva’s family to help cover medical costs.
“They needed some money to pay for the surgeries and everything that Eva needed so it was kind of like we should fundraise,” Lucy said.
Eva went into remission for a time, but the cancer returned, and she died three years ago.
Lucy said she remembered being sad when Eva died.
“She taught me to be brave, kind and just to help out anyone in need.”
After a period of grief, Lucy continued fundraising efforts in Eva’s memory.
“We really wanted to keep Eva’s memory alive,” said Emma.
“It was a really good opportunity for us to allow Lucy to still talk about Eva.”
Lucy’s business — which includes heart-shaped earrings, star charms and more hand-sewn toys — is a hit at A&P shows, where she sets up her stall.
“Lucy always has fresh new ideas that we could try,” said Emma.
“She’s just bought herself a sewing machine, so watch this space.”
Eva’s mother Shaleen has formed a close bond with Lucy and the two families share a deep mutual respect.
“We’re really proud of her, our family as well, what she’s doing is very selfless.”
