We spoke to Candice, the mum of BAFTA-nominated Lucy, who found fame on The Piano about Lucy’s experiences with retinoblastoma, and life now as a musician with a newly released album.
Can you tell us about Lucy’s diagnosis of retinoblastoma, any signs that were spotted and how old she was?
Lucy was diagnosed with advanced bilateral retinoblastoma when she was 9 months old, when I look back now there were signs which should have been picked up on but sadly weren’t! One of those was that Lucy was found to have no red eye reflex which I now believe is a huge red flag when it comes to a diagnosis, Lucy’s head movement was not developing as expected and finally an incident where Lucy’s eye bulged out of its socket.
Can you tell us about Lucy’s treatments?
Lucy went through six sessions of three different types of chemotherapy which were administered through a Hickman line. She also went through several blood/platelet transfusions and cryotherapy and laser treatment too! Before her treatment started Lucy had to undergo an MRI Scan and a lumbar puncture to check if the cancer had spread. Lucy also had regular EUA (Examination Under Anaesthetic) checkups where she had to have stinging eye drops too at Birmingham Children’s Hospital! As you can imagine this was an incredibly scary, exhausting time for her, and for a long time any appointment caused her a lot of anxiety and fear.
Can you tell us about Lucy’s blindness, and how you and Lucy navigate life around this?
Lucy is completely blind and has no sight in either of her eyes. This doesn’t stop her though; she’s always been a fighter and never lets anything get in her way! Yes, she sees things differently and needs support with her additional needs, which is why from the very beginning I have fought to ensure she had the right team around her to help her.
Can you tell us how Lucy first got into playing the piano?
Lucy has always shown a natural sense of rhythm even with musical toys and one Christmas she was given a book, and on the front of this book was a tiny keyboard and she played ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ pitch perfectly! From there we bought her a small pink child’s keyboard where she started experimenting even more, then we moved her on to a full-sized Yamaha keyboard and she started playing ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra. In fact, anything she heard she would play on her keyboard! Lucy and music are soulmates, and I believe she has tiny musical notes running through her blood, music is how Lucy communicates her voice to the world.
Can you tell us about her experiences with performing at such large-scale events and on TV?
Lucy loves performing and it’s not just the applause she enjoys, it’s how playing the piano makes her feel too! Her TV journey began by taking part and being crowned the winner of The Piano first series after her performance at The Royal Festival Hall. She was then invited to play at The King’s Coronation Concert in Windsor, before going on to perform at The Royal Albert Hall making her debut for Classic FM. Then again at the same venue, she performed with Lang Lang on the same piano at The Royal Variety Performance, and most recently performing her own single which was written especially for her by Debbie Wiseman at The Paralympics Homecoming GB in Birmingham!
Nothing fazes Lucy, in fact, I take on her nerves she goes out smashes her performance, then comes back to me, puts her headphones on and listens to her tablet which helps her wind down after performing.
Can you tell us about Lucy’s concert and album?
Lucy’s recently released her beautiful emotional new album ‘Lucy’, which she spent a lot of time recording with some truly amazing caring considerate talented in their own right team! ‘Lucy’ the album is now available to not only download but also pre order on CD too, equally we are incredibly excited to announce Lucy will be performing at her own two very special concerts in 2025! One will be in London and the other in Leeds where it all began for her. It’s definitely not to be missed and the only two dates she’ll be doing too! All you have to do both to purchase Lucy’s album or tickets, is head over to her official website www.lucythepianist.com, where you’re just a click away Lucy is also on social media now : Instagram, Facebook and TikTok too if you’d like to follow her journey.
Is there any advice you’d give to other children who have had retinoblastoma who may want to pursue a music career?
Anything in life is possible don’t be afraid to be YOU to be seen, practice, find a teacher who can guide you but most of all enjoy what you’re doing connect with the music you play and never stop reaching for those stars.
A huge well done to Lucy and Candice from us all at CHECT!