Teen with ice cream dream scoops hundreds and melts hearts for Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley

When Lancashire teenager Annie Pickup was offered the chance to make her wish of becoming an ice cream lady come true she was on cloud 99, but then was left disappointed and heartbroken when the experience was cancelled at the last minute.

Her story went viral - shared 4,700 times on Facebook – and the teen received hundreds of offers of support from ice cream sellers across the country.

Now, not only is her dream becoming a reality, she’s using it to raise funds for Derian House Children’s Hospice, which cares for her family.

Last week Annie, 17, got her first taste of the experience as she scooped up smiles in Penwortham, thanks to Raheim of North West Whippy and his ice cream van - raising £923 for Derian House.

And for those who missed out, Annie will be back out on Saturday, June 27, serving ice cream at Preston’s Flag Market and raising vital funds for children and families supported by the hospice.

Annie, 17, from Hutton, was born with Kabuki syndrome and has undergone multiple surgeries.

More recently, she developed Evans syndrome, meaning frequent hospital visits. But despite everything, Annie is always smiling and hopes to make others smile too - her dream is to own a pink, leopard-print ice cream van and travel the country serving up joy to everyone she meets.

She said: “My dream came true, it was amazing.”

Big ambitions

Annie who lives with mum Michelle, dad Colin, sister Abbie, 12, as well as two dogs, four cats, Elvis the budgie, and Fish the fish, added: “Raheim took me around in his van – we went to Ashleigh Nursery School where I served 90 children and they donated £500, and next we went to The Tom Finney Pub where everybody was waiting for an ice cream. Every penny went to Derian House and I just want to say a big thank you to everyone.

“If I had my own ice cream van, I’d give away free ice creams once a month for people who need it most.

“I want to make everyone smile, no matter what they’re going through. In my own bright pink, leopard-print ice cream van I’ll visit parks, events, hospitals, hospices and charities - serving ice creams to lots of people, and dogs!”

When asked her favourite flavour of ice cream, Annie said: “Just vanilla, no sauce, with a flake.”

Annie and her family are supported by Derian House Children’s Hospice, based in Astley Village, Chorley - the hospice that cares for 400 children with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, each year.

Mum Michelle said: “Derian House is a really special place, and I know that the hospice will be there for our family when we need it.

“If I ever need to talk to someone, they’re there. And Annie’s sister Abbie is supported in Derian’s siblings group. It’s why we’re using this opportunity to raise money for the hospice, and families just like ours.”

She added: “Annie has been very unwell throughout her life, but even during the most difficult times, she still cares more about other people. She has the most beautiful soul, all she wants is to do good in the world.

“Her dream is to one day own her own ice cream van, and we’re doing all we can to make it happen.”

Annie has already raised thousands of pounds for charity by hosting community events such as “Paw-fee mornings” and dog shows and she even has her own business, Annie’s Sweets and Treats, serving up s’mores gift boxes.

Emma Jacovelli, Fundraising Manager at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Annie’s positivity and generosity are truly inspiring, and the fact that she’s using one of her ice cream experiences to help families like hers is just the cherry on top. We wish her all the luck in the world in one day having her own ice cream van!”