Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice: Parents mark anniversary of ‘bubbly’ daughter’s death with charity challenge UK News

Abigail Fleming died on April 3, 2012, aged just 14, after a courageous three-year battle with bone cancer.

She had spent two months in Bluebell Wood before dying surrounded by her family, and the charity had done everything to make her final weeks even more special, including helping to organize a private concert alongside her idol Ed Sheeran.

Now his parents, Maria and Richard, from Maltby, Rotherham, are celebrating the 10th anniversary of his death by completing a series of fundraising challenges over the next 10 months to show their gratitude to the hospice.

Mum Maria said: “Abigail was a bubbly character with love, people and a life.

“Despite the effects of chemotherapy, her personality allowed her to remain the mischievous character she had always been.”

In 2011, the family discovered there was nothing more doctors could do to help Abigail.

“After visiting a friend in Bluebell Wood, Abigail’s wish was to spend what time she had left at the hospice,” Maria said.

“The care and support we received while residents of Bluebell Wood was second to none. From the clinical aspect of the care, to the organized activities and the meals offered, it all allowed us to spend more time together as a family.

“At the most difficult time of our lives, the team at Bluebell Wood provided us with unconditional support and a shoulder to cry on.

“That’s why we want to raise as much as we can for Bluebell Wood, so they can provide the care we’ve received to other families when they need it most.”

She added: “Hospice makes life bearable when it’s unbearable.”

Maria was inspired by the support she received after Abigail’s death to train as a counsellor, which qualified in 2018, as she wanted to give other families the help she had received.

Over the next 10 months, Maria and Richard will host a series of fundraisers including a sponsored head shave, community fair and more to reach their £5,000 goal.