A charity created by a Moray teenager before she died of cancer has helped its 200th family fighting with the illness.
Elgin-based Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation was set up in 2017 by youngster Abbie Main, who was determined to provide support for children affected by cancer.
The 15-year-old had battled sarcoma, a rare form of the disease, for about five years before losing her fight on Christmas Day 2017.
Prior to her death, and with the help of her family, she set up the charity to assist other children with “hospitals and stuff” during their own cancer journey.
Now, they have reached a milestone moment by helping 200 families across Scotland by spreading “sparkles” which are gifts aimed at brightening up their days and which range from providing superhero dolls to helping fund holidays to Disneyland.
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 Cottages, and will be treated to local food and activities.
The remarkable growth of the charity has seen them proceed with plans to open a holiday home in Abbie’s honour and it’s expected to be completed this year.
Named Sparkle Lodge, it will be a six to eight-berth static holiday home which will arrive this month at Dalraddy Holiday Park, on Alvie Estate in Kincraig.
The home will be for families whose children are affected by cancer, whether they are going through treatment, in remission or bereaved.
Tammy Main, Abbie’s mum said: “We are immensely proud to know that 200 children 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 and local businesses, along with the help of our dedicated team of committee members, ambassadors and helpers.”
The charity intends to carry on its work by offering more sparkles to families.
Elgin Cycle Club will run Abbie’s Sparkle Charity Cycle on Sunday, August 18 with 50km and 100km events on offer to cyclists of all abilities.
A team of six people are also due to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October, while a ceilidh will take place at Elgin Town Hall on Friday, August 16 and a prosecco day will be held at Elgin’s Mansefield Hotel on September 14.
For further information, visit
.
