Reader Paul Armstrong contacted the Crier to tell us about his daughter.
He writes: “I’m Abbi’s dad – this her story.
“As a young girl, Abbi was a normal, healthy child. She loved doing cartwheels down the street in Queensway. She passed the 11+ exams at Thornhill Primary School, which doesnt seem extraordinary – but Abbi was only 8 years old at the time.
“As she reached the age of 11, she started having problems. She would cry for no reason, so we took her to Darlington Hospital psychology department where investigations found no explanation.
“We then went to Bishop Auckland General Hospital where Dr. Jones found that Abbi had a neurological brain disorder.
“Abbi’s mother Carol and I took her to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, to see if any specialists or professors could help. Abbi’s biopsies and blood samples were sent to Europe. Even a trip to St.James’s University Hospital in Leeds failed to provide answers.
“Abbi’s condition is so rare that there is not a name for it.
“More than 10 years ago, Abbi was asked to join the geome sequencing screening process, where people with rare conditions have their DNA read, but still no progress.
“Throughout all this, we as a family remain hopefull that some miracle will happen, even if it can help people in the future.
“Abbi gets on with her life, even though now she is unable to speak, feed herself or walk. But she still smiles – a beautiful smile that everybody comments on.
“Three months ago, Abbi developed more problems. She began not wanting to interact with her parents and did not want to be in her family home. She spent two weeks in Darlington Hospital but after tests, an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture, there were still no positive results.
“Abbi is going to have to go into respite care, a place where we don’t want her to be.
“As parents we are losing faith and hope of being able to communicate with Abbi.
“I have organised a sponsored pushbike ride on August 30th, going from Annan on Scotland’s west coast to Whitley Bay – 96 miles in one day!
“Joining me on the ride are my cousins Antony and Lee Williams. Funds raised will help Abbi create memories and keep that precious smile for as long as possible.”
There is a sponsor form on Paul’s desk at Phil Hedley Tyres in Shildon and in some pool venues in the Bishop Auckland Thursday night pool league, should anyone want to sponsor him.
You can read more about Abbi and donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-abbi-with-love-help-create-beautiful-memories/.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
