Childhood cancer charity Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation hands out milestone 500th 'sparkle'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A MORAY charity which brightens life for children living with cancer has reached a special milestone.
Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation is handing out its 500th "sparkle" to a local family affected by childhood cancer.
The 500th sparkle is a special holiday to Disneyland Paris or Florida.
Elgin Academy pupil Abbie Main passed away, aged 15, on Christmas Day, 2017, after living with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
The charity in her name gives out "sparkles" to children with cancer across the UK. The sparkles take the form of gifts like superhero dolls, grants for specialised equipment and experiences such as holidays.
In the three years and three months it has been running, the charity has raised £354,000.
The charity's team has continued to spread sparkles and build support during lockdown, upholding Abbie’s vision to raise "money towards hospitals and stuff", to put smiles on children’s faces and help their families.
Abbie's brother and charity chairman, Cameron Main (21), said: "We always have people willing to help Abbie's charity, which is really nice to see.
"We are hoping that Abbie's Sparkle Ball, which was meant to be held last October, will be able to go ahead this October.
"This was going to be for Abbie's 18th birthday last year, so hopefully that can go ahead for her 19th birthday."
Cameron added: "On Saturday, March 20, a bingo night was hosted by All Stars and Stripes Cheer and Dance, the cheerleading squad that Abbie used to be part of, and they had about 40 or 50 on a Zoom call. That has so far raised about £600. It was something different, given the restrictions we have with Covid.
"In July one of my mates is planning to go up Ben Nevis to the height of Mount Everest – so seven times – with 50 kilos on his back. That's pretty crazy.
"And we have Abbie's Sparkle 100 Club in which people give every month. We have about 75 members at the moment. Half the money goes to the charity and half is put up as regular prize money they can win."
A charity spokesperson said the sparkles gave families a chance to do something they might not otherwise be able to afford, adding: "It’s a distraction, a new experience, a moment to help forget the challenges and smile.
"A sparkle is more than a gift – it is an opportunity to feel sparkly. It allows for a hobby, tools to help with schoolwork, or a bedroom makeover to boost mental health.
"We really look forward to bringing back our usual events, being able to share Abbie’s inspirational story again, to raise funds and spread awareness of childhood cancer and Sarcoma."
