Bless Your Cotton Socks! Lucy's Gifting Smiles

How She’s Using Funny Footwear to Spread Cheer to Cancer Patients

- Lynley Ward

Facing repeat surgeries and chemotherapy to rid her body of the life-threatening Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the Auckland schoolgirl would pull on her favourite bright pink ankle socks, the quirky footwear a happy distraction from her many unpleasant medical procedures.

Now celebrating her second year cancer-free, the 17-yearold and her best friend Maddy Niven have come up with an idea that brings a touch of happiness to adolescents facing similar cancer battles in a way that, to them, seems perfectly fitting − selling socks.

The pals have set up Socks For Smiles, a not-for-profit which raises money through the sale of specially-chosen hosiery featuring zany designs to fund gift packs − including a pair of fun socks − for young cancer patients in hospital.

Lucy, who was first diagnosed at intermediate school, says wearing her colourful socks made all the difference while she was in hospital.

“When I was walking around the ward, whenever I wore unique or funky socks everyone would always comment on them and it was a way of distraction,” explains Lucy.