Aviemore pumpkin parade adds a spirited sparkle to child cancer camaign
A parade of magical pumpkins by Aviemore has pumped in hundreds more pounds into an amazing charity effort to help children affected by cancer.
Lauren Donald’s epic “21 Sparkle Challenge” was given a huge boost over Halloween when her children, Kaedee (8) and Caleb (9) offered to organise a competition at Dalraddy Holiday Park to boost funds for Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation.
“My challenge is now nine months in and 10 events have raised £32,000 already,” she told the Strathy.
“Kaedee and Caleb really wanted to get more involved. Even though they had done the Lidl Muddler @ the Tough Mudder in July this year, they wanted to organise their own event so they came up with the Charity Pumpkin Competition
“Sunday’s event got wonderful support from local businesses and supporters, with an incredible 52 entries, adding over £250 to the challenge total.
“The staff at the park have been wonderfully supportive too and we had a great party with sparklers and marshmallows!”
It’s all being done in the name of tragic Abbie Main, who died aged 15 in 2017. Lauren’s family are friends of the Elgin teen who inspired so many with her brave fight against a rare cancer.
“Abbie’s smile, sparkle and infectious enthusiasm lit up the room and that’s exactly how we want people to remember and celebrate her life. Abbie (15) passed away on Christmas Day, after living with Sarcoma, for four years and four months. Christmas was Abbie’s favourite day, she loved it, we believe that Abbie held on and chose the sparkliest day of the year to go.”
The foundation named after her has a special lodge at Dalraddy, where families dealing with their own battles against cancer can chill out for a few vital days together.
