Abbie's awesome Jess Glynne wish
We granted 16-year-old Abbie's wish to meet the singer whose music makes her happiest.
Meet Abbie
In many ways, 16-year-old Abbie is a typical teenage girl who loves music and being with her friends and family. She lives with a rare brain condition called MOG antibody disease, which was triggered by a bout of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis when she was just four years old.
The condition affects her speech, mobility and cognitive function, and requires Abbie to undergo treatments and attend hospital often. This has left Abbie with a severe visual impairment and impaired mobility.
“Abbie has infusions in hospital every month as a preventative treatment, which hasn’t always been successful and she has continued to relapse despite treatment – so life has been very tough,” says Donna, Abbie’s mum
Why Abbie chose the wish
Throughout her illness, Jess Glynne’s music has helped keep her spirits up. “Jess’s music is always on whenever Abbie is around,” says Donna. “Whether we’re in the car, at the hospital or at home.”
Abbie was introduced to Rays of Sunshine by her hospital team. When told she could have a wish, it wasn’t long before she settled on something to do with her favourite singer! From there, our wish granters worked with Jess Glynne’s team to design an experience fit for a superfan.
<After everything she’s been through, she deserved it so much >
On the day
Abbie’s wish began with her family travelling to Kent for a pampering session at MAC Cosmetics in Fenwick’s department store. “Abbie felt so special,” explains Donna.
From here, Abbie and her family travelled to Dreamland Margate, where the 16-year-old was able to sit down with Jess for an exclusive Q&A session. The pair chatted about everything from their favourite songs, to how Jess does her make-up for shows, and much more. Abbie was also treated to signed merch from Jess – and she immediately put on the t-shirt!
“Abbie literally couldn’t stop smiling the entire time,” says Donna. “I am just so grateful to Jess for taking the time to make her feel so important and heard.”
After saying goodbye so that Jess could get ready for her show, Abbie and her family were shown to their seats so that they could watch the concert and enjoy the final part of the wish.
“Jess even sung Abbie’s favourite song, Thursday,” recalls Donna. “And I remember looking at her and she felt every single word – she was singing her heart out.”
The impact of the wish
Donna says the impact of Abbie’s wish will stay with her forever.
“Even after the wish, I could tell there was just a lasting happiness in Abbie. I’m so grateful to Rays of Sunshine and Jess for doing this for her, and giving her memories she’s going to cherish forever,” she says.
