As a family we had a 3-5 year business plan to locate a Holiday Home at one Abbie’s favorite locations, Aviemore. Due to the phenomenal success of Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation in its first year and following the full approval of the committee this become reality in August 2019.
The 6-8 Berth Static Holiday Home is situated at Dalraddy Holiday Park on Alvie Estate in Kincraig, 4 miles from Aviemore.
The lodge will be used by families whose children are affected by Cancer and meet our criteria as laid out in our SCIO constitution. This could mean they are in treatment, remission or a bereaved family.
There is a huge amount for the families to enjoy in Aviemore; there are also activities to take part in on the estate. If the families need a quieter time then they can enjoy the comfort of the holiday home, which is described as ‘stunning, true value for money, glamorous and a beautiful place to relax and unwind’. Three of those words have also been used to describe Abbie and we feel she would be proud to be able to provide this Sparkly treat for families facing the tough challenges that she endured herself.
Key Features of “Sparkle lodge”
Due to the potential weather conditions in Aviemore, the Holiday Home will arrive with additional winterization features. This will protect the lodge and provide extra warmth and comfort.
The Holiday Home, will be finished in oak coloured Canexel, which is a high-density wood composite cladding, this will give it the appearance of a lodge.
There is a large south facing decking area with disabled access, this provides a family seating area and leads to a garden for the children to play. The garden contains a flower bed and a special Cherry Blossom tree in memory of Abbie.
This venture requires continued funding in the way of annual fees and upkeep. The charity will also work with local businesses and attractions to provide vouchers to allow families to use their facilities for free and make their holiday a truly memorable occasion.
Vision for Abbie’s Venture
The Holiday Home will remain at Dalraddy Holiday Park for 20 years. We aim to accommodate as many families as possible. Only when the Holiday Home is not occupied by a Sparkle family, we may use the vacant time to let the Holiday home out. This income will be used towards the running cost of ‘Sparkle Lodge’ and additional Sparkles.
Having this holiday home in Aviemore, for many many years to come will enable Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation to help hundreds of Families and Children and have a sustained social impact. We believe it will be true value for money and provide an opportunity for special Sparkly memories to be created.
