Community rallying round Banff Primary School girl (5) diagnosed with life-shortening disease
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THE local community is rallying round a five-year-old Banff girl who has been diagnosed with an ultra-rare, life-shortening disease.
Abbie Cresswell, who has just started at Banff Primary School, was diagnosed with type three Juvenile Batten's Disease four weeks ago.
The incurable disease takes a child's eyesight and ability to walk and talk before giving them seizures and leaving them wheelchair bound.
Abbie's dream is to see Disneyland Florida before her eyesight goes completely, and thanks to the "overwhelming support" of the community, that dream looks set to come true.
A JustGiving page made to raise funds for a family trip to Disneyland raised £12,500 within the first three days – with the family even offered a villa to stay in free of charge.
Abbie's mum Danielle Cresswell, who works as a home carer for Aberdeenshire Council, said: "Children with this disease don't have a long life expectancy and can be lucky to see their teens.
"We are all devastated and just want to make Abbie's life the best we possibly can.
"She is over the moon about going to Disneyland. She wakes up every morning and asks 'are we going to Disneyland today?"
She added: "We have been overwhelmed by the response, the amount of messages we have had and people offering us things. We had someone from Banff offer us their apartment in Florida as a donation.
"I'm so shocked at how generous people have been, there are very kind people out there.
"I would like to keep raising funds. I want to do everything with her: swim with the dolphins, eat dinner with the princesses – everything you can do I want her to do.
"We really appreciate all the donations and every little helps."
Danielle and husband Ben, who works as a plumber, have two other children – Kacey-Lee (12) and Scott (10).
Telling Abbie's siblings about her disease was one of the most difficult parts for Danielle.
She added: "My daughter has taken it in but my son was in bits. They are so close.
"It was really hard telling them but they have to be told. We will never get our heads around it.
"Abbie is a very happy, outgoing girl. She is energetic, loves playing with her siblings, goings for walks and loves arts and crafts.
"She is always running about outside or on her bike and loves to sing, draw and colour in.
"You honestly wouldn't notice the difference with her."
Word of Abbie's fundraiser has now reached Florida, where it has been shared by a local friend that Danielle and Ben met while on honeymoon.
You can help make Abbie's Disneyland dream come true by donating at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/abbiesdream.
