Newcastle nail tech to take on 24-hour ‘nail-a-thon’ challenge for charity

Over the four years since becoming a nail tech, Lucy Walton (@skullenluce) has achieved a lot: from working at London Fashion Week to national campaigns with Dr Martens and celebrity BAFTA nail looks. Now, she is adding one more milestone to that list: a 24-hour ‘nail-a-thon’ for charity.

From 28-29 November 2025, Lucy – a nail tech based in Newcastle – will be completing back-to-back nail appointments in order to raise money for Tiny Lives Trust, a charity that ‘supports and champions premature and sick newborn babies and their families, at the Newcastle Neonatal Service and across the North East and North Cumbria’.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” Lucy admits. “However, I can’t help but feel that what I’m doing is a drop in the ocean compared to what some of the babies and families supported by Tiny Lives are going through.”

The inspiration behind the nail-a-thon came from Abigail of @aurabyabigailkate, who completed this very challenge. “I was in awe of how much Abigail raised for the British Heart Foundation and thought ‘why not give it a go?‘,” Lucy continues. “I have also created a list of ’30 things to do before I turn 30’ and something big for charity is on there, so this seemed like the perfect fit.

“I think plenty of coffee will be needed, as well as lots of laughs and overall good vibes,” Lucy adds. “I’ll also be baking some sweet treats to keep me going!”

The nail-a-thon has garnered a lot of attention, and Lucy reveals that all of her slots are booked. She has a Just Giving page and is also organising a raffle to increase the funds raised for Tiny Lives.

Regarding the nail looks she is planning to create, Lucy shares: “I’ll be taking client requests. I suspect a lot of clients will want block colour nails, but I think a couple of crazy sets would be a great way to maintain the energy and keep my brain sharp.

“This is the first time I’ve attempted anything like this,” Lucy says. “I think the closest thing I’ve done would be a sponsored silence in school and let’s put it this way: I didn’t last very long!

“I’m a mixture of nerves and excitement,” the nail pro acknowledges. “I know it’s going to be an emotional 24 hours, but hopefully I can raise a big sum of money and help this amazing charity as much as possible.”

Follow Lucy on Instagram and TikTok, and support her nail-athon here.