Charity star Thea, 9, raises £1,450 for hospital by selling cakes from stall

A nine year-old girl has raised an incredible £1,450 for the hospital that treated her dad’s cancer … with a stall on her driveway selling cakes and tea.

Darren Smith, 38, was shocked when a lump appeared on his neck on Boxing Day 2023 and finally in March this year he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer.

Daughter Thea Smith was fearful she would lose her dad to cancer as she had lost her grandfather – but thanks to treatment at The Christie hospital, in Manchester, he is recovering well.

So Thea decided to raise over £1,400 for The Christie Charity by planning, baking and selling cakes on her driveway throughout August … and cups of hot tea, coffee and chocolate.

Afterwards Thea, of Atherton, Wigan, said: “I really enjoyed doing my fundraiser and I really hope it helps other people get better like Daddy.”

While mum-of-two Stacey Smith, 35, said: “We are beyond proud of Thea for her curious and generous mindset.

“She has been an absolute star throughout her dad’s treatment, staying positive, helping to care for her little brother, and showing maturity beyond her years.

“Despite everything, she continued to excel at school and even won the ‘Managers Player’ award in football as a goalkeeper. We are so incredibly proud of her.”

Thea was devastated when she discovered her dad Darren ill, especially after suffering heartbreak previously with the death of her grandad Howard Smith from cancer.

Thea – who goes to school at St. Peter’s Primary School in Hindley, Wigan – was told that Darren would need treatment at The Christie hospital.

That sparked many questions but once she realised the hospital could make her dad better again she vowed to do something to repay the medics, nurses and staff.

Determined to help, Thea wrote down a list of ideas and decided to organise a fundraiser.

And finally in August, after months of planning, she set up a cake and hot drinks stand on the family’s driveway, selling her homemade treats to friends, family, and passers-by.

Thea’s little two year-old brother Charlie even offered his support in his own way – by taste-testing the cakes!

Friends who couldn’t attend the event in person also wanted to contribute, so Thea and her mum, Stacey, set up a JustGiving page.

The fundraiser was a resounding success, with Thea raising £450 in cash from driveway cake and drinks sales and an additional £1,000 through the JustGiving page.

Darren is doing really well and has now finished his treatment. He is due to have a scan in October with the result to follow in November.

Heather Brookfield, community fundraising coordinator at The Christie Charity, said: “Thea’s determination and thoughtfulness are truly inspiring.

“Her willingness to take action to help others at such a young age is remarkable, and we are so grateful for her contribution.

“The funds she’s raised will help support many patients and families at The Christie, just like her dad.”