A Painted Bag With Purpose: Creating for Children With Cancer UK
Back in 2024, I painted a custom jacket for a little girl called Dulcie. She wore it to the “Kids Like Us” film premiere, and it was one of those moments that quietly changed everything for me.
If you haven’t seen “Kids Like Us” please consider watching it. It’s tough viewing at times but anything we can do to open up the conversation around something that’s seen as such a taboo subject helps raise awareness and vital funds.
Dulcie was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in 2021. She’s been through more in her young life than most adults ever will. Despite this, she’s one of the brightest, most joyful souls I’ve ever had the honour of creating for. Seriously, she looked like an absolute rockstar in her custom jacket!
In early 2025, Dulcie officially rang the bell to celebrate being cancer free. Her strength, and her family’s resilience, have been so deeply inspiring to me. So when her mum, Debbie, asked me to paint a jacket for her this May to be worn at the Chelsea Flower Show, of course I said yes. I created a design incorporating her favourite flowers and ones to tie in with Dulcie’s original jacket. It was worn to the press preview of “A Place To Be,” a sensory healing garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.
What I didn’t expect was what came next.
The jackets I painted for Dulcie and Debbie were seen by so many people, far beyond what I ever imagined possible. Shortly after the Chelsea Flower Show I was contacted by the Head of Special Events at Children With Cancer U.K. and invited to donate a piece to their annual charity auction.
It was an instant yes from me. I was honoured. There was just one small problem… I didn’t actually have anything to paint. I don’t sell products myself, only offer a painting service (people send their items to me to paint).
That’s when Debbie, being the generous soul she is, stepped in and donated this beautiful Kate Spade handbag. At first, I tried to say no, it was too much — but she explained how much the charity had done for her and Dulcie, and that this was her way of giving back.
So, with this beautiful blank canvas in front of me, I started designing.
I wanted the colours and florals to reflect the “A Place To Be” garden; a space built for children like Dulcie to heal and just be kids again. I also researched flowers that represent resilience and strength. You’ll find echinacea, lavender, peonies, roses, and a scattering of wildflowers throughout the design, all chosen for their symbolism and connection to hope.
On the back of the bag, I added a gold ribbon — the symbol for children’s cancer awareness.
Painting this bag has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on. And then, just when I thought the story had peaked… the charity got in touch to let me know:
This bag will now be part of Children with Cancer UK’s major fundraising gala in London on November 8th, 2025. It’s a huge event, attended by celebrities and major supporters, and my hope is that it raises a lot of money to help more children and families facing the unimaginable.
To Dulcie and Debbie: thank you for trusting me with your story. To Children with Cancer UK: thank you for the incredible work you do. And to whoever goes on to own this bag: I hope it reminds you of the strength and resilience of the children who inspire us all.🎗️
Jade x