Abbie's charity reaches 200 sparkles

A CHARITY created as a young girl's dying wish has helped its 200th child living with cancer.

Elgin-based charity Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation was set up in 2017 to provide support for children affected by cancer – inspired by youngster Abbie Main who died at the age of 15.

After living with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, for nearly four years, Abbie and her family were forced to come to terms with the news that she would not get better. Abbie’s wish was to establish her own charity to raise money for "hospitals and stuff" under the name Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation.

Abbie passed away on Christmas Day 2017, and her charity was established on Boxing Day when the family were told of Abbie’s wish by her best friend, Emma.

Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation aims to brighten the days of children dealing with the challenges of cancer. The "Sparkles" it hands out might be gifts or grants, from Superhero dolls to Euro Disney trips.

On July 8, the charity delivered its 200th Sparkle to a family who are coping with a second child being diagnosed with leukaemia. The family will stay for a week at a Moray holiday home, donated by local business Lossiemouth Seaside Cottage, and will be treated to local food and activities.

Abbie's parents, Russell and Tammy, said: "We are immensely proud to know that 200 children that have had a Sparkle from Abbie in the last 18 months. This has all been possible due to Abbie’s inspiration and the fantastic support from our community, local businesses, along with the help of our dedicated team of committee members, ambassadors and helpers."

Abbie’s new venture for 2019 is "Sparkle Lodge" – a six-eight berth static holiday home which is to arrive this month at Dalraddy Holiday Park, on Alvie Estate in Kincraig. The lodge will be for families whose children are affected by cancer, whether they are going through treatment, in remission or bereaved.

Meanwhile, Elgin Cycle Club will run Abbie's Sparkle Charity Cycle on Sunday, August 18. The 50km event is open to cyclists of all abilities aged 16 and over. For the 100km, participants must be aged 18 and over. For further information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abbies-sparkle-foundation-charity-cycle-100-kms-and-50-kms-tickets-52729325833.

And a team of six set to take on Mount Kilimanjaro in October will hold two more local events to raise funds for the foundation. Abbie’s Sparkle Ceilidh will take place at Elgin Town Hall on Friday, August 16, with music from the Skara Ceilidh Band. Tickets, priced at £15 for adults and £7.50 for under-14s including stovies, can be purchased from the Elgin Town Hall website. And Abbie’s Sparkle Prosecco Day will be held at Elgin's Mansefield Hotel on September 14. Tickets, priced at £40, are available from the hotel.

For further information, visit http://abbiessparklefoundation.org/.

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