An Aberdeenshire family who received financial support from Kayleigh’s Wee Stars (KWS), a charity which supports families with a terminally ill child, are encouraging people to take part in fundraising events in order to raise money for other families who have a child with a terminal diagnosis.
The Sharp family were first introduced to KWS after their eldest daughter, Faye, sadly passed away from leukaemia back in April 2014. It was while 15-year-old Faye was on a school trip to Belgium and France that she began to feel ill and a couple of months later, she received her devastating diagnosis.
Despite Faye’s admirable positivity, and being in remission for a short time, the disease sadly returned and in August 2013, her parents received the heartbreaking news that Faye only had around six weeks to live. It goes without saying that this period of time was particularly tough for Faye’s parents, juggling looking after their other two children, while spending as much time as they could with Faye in hospital. Faye’s mother, Christine, also had to take time off from her work to care for Faye and this impacted the family financially.
KWS stepped in to support the family throughout Faye’s illness, and when she passed away just one month after her 18th birthday, KWS stepped in again to take care of the funeral costs, which was a huge weight off the Sharp family’s shoulders in the midst of their heartache.
Ellis Gray, Ellie Sharp, Christine Sharp, Tony Sharp and Fraser Sharp
Faye’s father, Tony, said: “When Faye passed away, we didn’t know really how we were going to pay the funeral expenses, but KWS took care of that. It took a big worry and burden off our minds and without question they helped us and donated so much money towards the funeral. I will be forever grateful for that”.
Kayleigh’s Wee Stars was set up by Jonathan and Anna Cordiner after losing their two-year-old daughter Kayleigh to terminal illness in 2012.
The charity relies heavily on their flagship events each year to bring in funds which is used as grants to help support families where there is a child with a terminal illness. The first event in the calendar for 2024 is their annual Barra 10K run which takes place on Saturday, May 25 in Oldmeldrum. The popular race unfolds across a challenging multi-terrain trail over Barra Hill, with spectacular views across the North-east countryside. It’s a family friendly occasion, with Active Schools organising junior races which take place before the main event.
Jonathan Cordiner, KWS co-founder and Kayleigh’s daddy, said, “We support many families each year, just like the Sharp family and it is so important that we host these flagship events so that we can raise enough money. The support we provide to the families through the charity is only possible with the incredible support we receive from the local community. We still have lots of spaces left for the Barra 10K and we would encourage everyone who can, to sign up and run. Contributions mean that absolutely all of the money raised from this event’s entry fee will be going directly to families where there is a child with a terminal diagnosis”.
Later this year, Ellie Sharp, sister of Faye Sharp, will be organising and taking part in a number of charity events in collaboration with Kayleigh’s Wee Stars.
Learn more about Kayleigh’s Wee Stars at: www.kayleighsweestars.co.uk
To watch the full story of The Sharp family, click here: https://youtu.be/WwV7t7VbsF0?si=uPJFz0e8Kqo2XevU