The sparkle of a Moray teenager will continue to be spread this year on Christmas cards inspired by the youngster.
Abbie Main, from Elgin, lost her four-year battle with cancer on Christmas Day last year when she was just 15 years old.
Before her death, the young cheerleader decided to set up a charity, christened Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation, to live on after she was gone to help children with similar conditions.
Now Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has chosen her cause to be the inspiration for his annual festive card design.
Primary school children across the region will be tasked with devising a “Christmas sparkle” design to help remember the teenager.
Tammy Main, Abbie’s mother, said: “Christmas was her favourite time of the year and this year will be the first anniversary of losing her – which will be special for us anyway.
“Abbie chose the ‘sparkle’ name for the charity herself without us knowing. It’s amazing looking back now just how much sparkles were in her life – even just the decorations she loved at Christmas.
“Lots of people have told me they’re seeing a lot more in the shops this year and think Abbie must be the inspiration.”
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Firms will be invited to sponsor the MSP’s Christmas card with the money being donated to the foundation inspired by the teenager.
The cause has already received a massive boost this month when Abbie’s brother Cameron scaled Ben Nevis five times within 24 hours during freezing conditions – raising more than £8,500 in the process.
Mr Lochhead explained he chose the foundation due to it already making a “huge impression” in the region since its recent formation.
He said: “The charity provides invaluable support to children and their families, which is a tremendous legacy for Abbie and is why I’m so happy to help support it this year.
“I’m sure children will get behind it with some fantastic designs, which is particularly appropriate because Abbie loved Christmas so much.”
