Lee Williams, who is better known locally for his work with Great Aycliffe Town Council, will be getting back in the saddle to raise funds for a remarkable local woman named Abbi and reaching out to the community in a heartfelt appeal for support.
Abbi, 32, lives with an undiagnosed degenerative condition that has affected her mobility, speech, and independence, for more than two decades. Despite her challenges, her family describes her as kind, funny, and full of life.
Abbi’s journey began unexpectedly at age 11. Once an active, bright young girl with a love of dance and gymnastics, she began experiencing slurred speech and difficulties with movement. Since 2004, she has undergone extensive medical testing including MRIs, CT scans, lumbar punctures, skin biopsies, and whole genome sequencing. Despite consultations with top neurologists in Newcastle and specialists from around the world, Abbi’s condition remains without a clear diagnosis.
“She’s literally one in a billion” say her family.
Today, Abbi is confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak verbally, and relies on a speech machine and sign language to communicate. Even these methods have become more difficult as her fingers have turned inwards due to her condition. She requires a PEG feeding tube and endures chronic pain, spasms, and ongoing hospital stays.
Still, Abbi’s spirit shines. “She is simply trapped in a body that does not work,” her family shared, “but she’s still the same Abbi inside – smart, kind, and funny.”
Recently, Abbi faced a serious health scare, suffering from hallucinations and confusion, which led to a hospital stay. Doctors suspect delirium, but the experience has been traumatic for her loved ones and a wake-up call about the importance of creating joyful memories while they still can.
In response, her family has launched a fundraiser not for medical treatment, but to give Abbi the chance to enjoy more of the life she loves – new experiences, days out, and meaningful moments with family and friends.
The centrepiece of this effort is a sponsored bicycle ride on 30th August. Abbi’s father, Paul, along with family members Lee and Antony, will cycle approximately 100 miles in one day, starting in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, roughly following the path of Hadrian’s Wall back to Whitley Bay. Her Uncle Scott will be supporting them from a vehicle along the route.
“It won’t be easy,” says Lee, “But it’s nothing compared to what Abbi faces every single day.”
The family hopes the community will rally behind their efforts to honour Abbi’s strength and help give her the simple gift of joy on her own terms.
Donations of any size are welcome, and supporters are encouraged to keep Abbi in their thoughts as she continues her courageous journey.
For more information or to donate, please visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-abbi-with-love-help-create-beautiful-memories/
For Abbi, with love.