An inspirational Lancashire teenager who was left heartbroken when her dream experience was cancelled has finally stepped inside an ice cream van to spread joy in her community.
Viral Story Sparks Support
Annie Pickup's story went viral after being shared 4,700 times on Facebook, leading to hundreds of offers of support from ice cream sellers across the country. Now, the 17-year-old is using her dream to raise vital funds for Derian House Children's Hospice, which cares for her family.
The teenager 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 the charity on May 27. For those who missed out, she will be back out on Saturday, June 27, serving ice cream at Preston's Flag Market to raise further funds for children and families supported by the hospice.
Annie's Story
Annie, 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, she is always smiling and hopes to make others smile too. Her ultimate dream is to own a pink, leopard-print ice cream van and travel the country serving up joy to everyone she meets.
"My dream came true, it was amazing," said Annie, who lives with mum Michelle, dad Colin, and her 12-year-old sister Abbie, as well as two dogs, four cats, Elvis the budgie, and Fish the fish. "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, she replied: "Just vanilla, no sauce, with a flake."
Support from Derian House
Annie and her family are supported by Derian House Children's Hospice, based in Astley Village, Chorley. The hospice cares for 400 children with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, each year. "Derian House is a really special place, and I know that the hospice will be there for our family when we need it," said mum Michelle. "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."
"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." The teenager has already raised thousands of pounds for charity by hosting community events such as 'Paw-fee mornings' and dog shows. She even has her own business, Annie’s Sweets and Treats, serving up s’mores gift boxes.
Fundraising Manager's Comments
Emma Jacovelli, fundraising manager at Derian House Children's Hospice, commented: "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!"
Care is free for families at Derian House, but it will cost £6m to run services in 2026, with only around 30 per cent funded by the government. "We couldn’t do what we do without supporters - just like Annie - who help to raise vital funds for children and families in our care."
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West, helping them to make the most of every moment.
