Hi, I’m Russell Abbie’s dad (Big Pea) as she always referred to us as two peas in a pod. As a team we were always up to mischief, plotting against Tammy and Cameron, which never failed to bring a smile to her face 🙂 On Christmas Day 2017 my beautiful daughter passed away leaving my entire family and Abbie’s friends devastated. Abbie’s passing left a huge void in our lives but in her unique way unknown to us she had plans to ensure we weren’t sitting about for long. Abbie left us instructions to set up her charity Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation, which gave us all a new and immediate challenge with something to focus on. Abbie taught me a lot during her 4 years and 4 months battle against Cancer, she never let life get in the way of living. Abbie never dwelled on yesterday or worried about tomorrow but truly lived for every moment she had. Abbie’s had a unique way, caring for others regardless of her own personal circumstances. So it should not have come as a huge surprise to any of us that Abbie wanted her legacy to be helping children who are dealing with similar challenges to which she faced herself. Abbie (Baby Pea) has been a true inspiration to me as I’m sure she has to many others. Having Abbie as my daughter has made me the proudest dad in the world.
As Abbie’s brother I am very proud to be the Secretary of Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation to help ‘Hospitals and stuff’, I will do everything I can to promote the charity through my sport and social media to allow Abbie to spread more sparkles to children affected by cancer. I will make sure that the charity is as successful as possible and that it becomes a very well-known charity in the UK, because Abbie wants her charity to be the best and nothing less.
Along with being the Secretary of Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation I compete professionally for Scotland and Great Britain in Triathlon (Swim, Bike and Run), Abbie is always by my side pushing me beyond my limits. #secrettrainingpartner
Live every day like it is your last, just like Abbie did.
Living is a gift. Never forget that.
Be kind.
I am Abbie’s Mum and Manager of Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation. I am so very proud to share Abbie’s story and her amazing, inspirational Sparkle. Abbie gifted us this very important job to do, to raise “Money towards hospitals and stuff” and we intend to Sparkle on and do just that, with huge respect for the legacy that she left us. I want to make a difference for other children with Cancer and in turn help their families in Abbie’s name, making sure she is not forgotten. Every day I Sparkle for Abbie.
We are delighted to have Emma, Abbie’s Bestie on board as our valued Treasurer. She is proving to be a great asset to Abbie’s Charity and how special that she was there when Abbie created her Sparkle Foundation. She provides us with support and guidance knowing very well how Abbie would want to raise “funds for hospitals and stuff” and help others.
Lorna is a Neonatal Nurse from Inverness. Lorna never met Abbie but is a big supporter of her Foundation and brings years of experience working in teams, problem solving and creating policy and procedures. As well as this her job means she supports families in stressful situations whose child is unwell. Lorna is honoured to join our Board of Trustees and is also keen to get involved in fundraising.
Martin is a well known business man in our local community and we are fortunate to have him on board to support with his knowledge and experience. Martin knew Abbie through being family friends and has supported her legacy many times since it was founded.