Millions listen as Morecambe mum who runs toy appeal gets surprise visit from Radio 1

A big-hearted mum from Morecambe who runs a toy appeal in memory of her sister was stunned when a Radio 1 DJ arrived at her home to surprise her live on-air.

Rebecca Hutton said she got "the shock of her life" when Charlie Hedges and a Radio 1 team knocked on her door on Monday morning.

The mum-of-one couldn't believe it when they told her she was live on Greg James' breakfast show to millions of listeners.

She'd been nominated for the popular national radio programme's 'Festive Feeling' feature, which recognises unsung heroes who help people at Christmas time.

Rebecca, 28, runs the Blossom Toy Appeal each year to collect toys for local children in memory of her sister Vicky, who died in 2021, aged just 26.

Vicky, who worked at Westgate Primary School, set up the toy appeal and Rebecca has continued her legacy to ensure families who are struggling have presents during the festive season.

At first Rebecca was so surprised she shut the door in Charlie's face!

"I just didn't know what to do, I thought it was a prank!" she said.

But once she realised it was legit, she invited the Radio 1 team into the house to talk live to millions about the toy appeal and her caring sister.

Beyond Radio spoke to Rebecca just hours after she was surprised live on Radio 1.

LISTEN to our interview here.

"Thank you so much, honestly, I did not expect this at all!" she said speaking live on Radio 1 on Monday.

"Vicky was such an amazing person. She did everything for everyone.

"She just looked after everyone as though they were her own, especially the children in the school.

"That's what I find the most special thing, (the toy appeal) keeps my sister's memory alive.

"She used to work with a lot of charities and go and get toys to make sure everyone in the school had a Christmas present.

"We don't realise how lucky we are, everything we've got in our lives, and some people don't have that.

"It's just so hard not having her, especially at this time of year. But this keeps it all going for her. It's really really important to keep going and make sure everyone has a special Christmas."

Vicky is pictured below with her son Ollie.

Greg James, speaking to Rebecca from the Radio 1 studio, said: "A lot of people have resonated with your story this morning, a lot of (listeners) are crying on the way to work.

"At this time of year it's important that we all think about others.

"You really are the spirit of Christmas and your work is incredible and inspiring."

Greg James is pictured below. Photo credit: BBC Radio 1

Rebecca's family, including her fiance Jack Hollings and parents Mike and Debbie, had kept the surprise a secret.

They, as well as her two-year-old son Nolan, were all there when Radio 1 came calling on Monday at around 8am.

"To find out all the family have been keeping it for weeks, they've done very well!" she told Beyond Radio.

"They were all in on it. Everyone was there, even the neighbours were there!

"They all span me this huge lie to get me up and get me ready. Then I saw (the Radio 1 team) at the door with microphones! I was absolutely blown away."

It was Natalie Eastwood, Rebecca's friend and work colleague at Blossom beauty salon in Morecambe, who messaged Radio 1 to nominate her for 'Festive Feeling'.

The BBC then contacted Natalie several weeks ago to say she'd been successful, and she had to make sure Rebecca didn't find out!

"Usually I can't keep a secret but I think just knowing how excited Rebecca was going to be, that's been enough," Natalie told Radio 1.

"Every day I see her at work (I've been) smiling at her, and she doesn't know why!

"She's had absolutely no idea.

"We have known each other for donkey's (years) and then I began working at her salon in Morecambe four years ago, and ever since I walked through that door we've just been inseperable. She's my best friend.

"I nominated her because she really deserves the recognition for what she does. She does so much for the community and the people she loves. She has got a heart of gold and somebody needs to do something for her.

"When Victoria passed away, Becky also lost a piece of herself. She went through highs, she went through lows.

"Becky took the toy appeal on and I think it's reconnected her with her sister, and it's also reconnected her back to herself.

"It's something Becky does every year and she just deserves people to know about the work she does, because she puts her heart and soul into this."

Charlie and Greg then told Rebecca that as a reward, Radio 1 had organised tickets for her to see Oasis at Heaton Park in Manchester during the band's reunion tour this summer.

Rebecca, like many other Oasis fans, had tried and failed to get tickets due to the massive demand when they went on-sale earlier this year.

"Thank you, you've made my Christmas!" she said.

The Blossom Toy Appeal was launched in 2021 to an amazing response, as the floor of the salon was filled with donated toys (see Rebecca with the toys pictured below).

So far this year the appeal has raised £1250.

Writing on the appeal fundraising page, Rebecca said: "It’s been three years since I lost my sister and wow it has been a rollercoaster. Still surviving grief every single day.

"We want to change this year and not just only give to Westgate (school) but reach out further to other charities, food banks and well anyone who needs us!

"We are appealing for toys, books, PJs, money donationds, it is not only toys local families need. The financial crisis is affecting everyone more than you will ever know. Any donation is welcome no matter how big or small.

"Vicky contacted several charities and travelled back and fourth with several cars full of new toys to make every single child’s Christmas special. Vicky once raised money to buy a family a cooker!

"There was not a child that Vicky did not care about and as her sister I want to use Blossom to its advantage.

"Between us we can change other families lives this Christmas and make Vicky proud. This will be done every year as everyone deserves to have a special Christmas and receive a present."

The Blossom Toy Appeal GoFundMe page can be found HERE.

You can also drop off toys, games and other items at the Blossom beauty salon on Deansgate in Morecambe.

This year's appeal closes on Friday, December 13.

Beyond Radio first interviewed Rebecca about the Blossom Toy Appeal in 2022. You can read our story and hear the interview here.

Read more: Sister launches toy appeal in memory of "caring and amazing" Morecambe mum - Beyond Radio