About the Abigail Witchalls Trust

The Abigail Witchalls Trust funds will be used to help Abigail lead a full life with her family and friends, despite her severe disability. The funds will contribute to the cost of Abigail’s particular needs which are not addressed through her everyday care provision. For example, equipment can be purchased to provide additional therapy (such as hydrotherapy), increase her mobility, enable her to control her environment and develop her communication skills. Specially adapted equipment will assist her in being a mother to Joseph and Dominic. In time there will be ways to help her participate in employment and leisure activities such as, writing, teaching, travel and helping to organize the running of a children's nursery.

Donations are welcome and can be sent to:

Abigail Witchalls Trust
PO Box 354
Bookham, Surrey
KT22 9DZ

We are now able to accept online donations using PayPal, which accepts all major via credit and debit cards (you do not need your own PayPal account to make a donation in this way).


Update 28th August 2007

The address for the Trust has changed. See above.

Update 13th September 2006

Abigail and her family have had an enjoyable summer together. Their trip to Lourdes as part of the Arundel and Brighton Diocesan Pilgrimage provided a refreshing holiday for Abigail, Ben, Joseph and Dominic.

Abigail continues to live in the same farm cottage she moved to with Ben when they were first married. They hope to create more suitable accommodation but are still waiting for a decision on the amount of criminal injuries compensation she will receive. The trust continues to receive donations, including from two sponsored runners in the London Marathon, for which Abi and Ben are most grateful. They would also like to thank all those who continue to show their concern and support in so many ways.

The media interest continues and Abigail's determination to protect her privacy has led to some invention and speculation in the press. We advise you therefore not to believe all you read!


Update: Abigail visits Lourdes - 1st August 2006

Sheila and Martin Hollins, parents of Abigail, confirm that she and her family have been to Lourdes with the annual pilgrimage of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. Lourdes is a well known place of pilgrimage uniquely adapted for disabled people. Both Abigail and Benoit have been to Lourdes on previous occasions and they value the spiritual and personal support that they find there. They pray that the visit will be a healing experience, helping the family to live with Abigail’s continuing, severe paralysis.

Abigail is enjoying being mother to her two growing sons, and gives thanks for the good wishes and encouragement that she continues to receive from so many people.


Update: Fundraising - 4th April 2006

Richard Ainsworth-Smith and Jenny Hill are running the London Marathon, on the 23rd April 2006, and Jodie Grover is running the Great North Run on the 1st October 2006, to raise money for a specially adapted electric wheelchair for Abigail, which will greatly increase her mobility and independence.

Update: Great Briton Award - 26th January 2006

Today Abigail was honoured with a Great Briton of 2005 Award at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall. The award was received by her husband Benoit, on her behalf. The judges felt that Abigail’s incredible bravery and wonderful compassionate manner in overcoming the atrocious attack which left her paralysed, makes her a role model for us all. They described her as “remarkable”. Abigail said she was very moved to be given the award. She has been very aware that many other people have been adjusting to a new life after serious injury in 2005. For whatever reasons, their circumstances have not come to public attention. Many have been less fortunate than Abigail because they have not been able to go home, because physical access has been too difficult or suitable care has not been available. Abigail and baby Dominic, now 10 weeks old, are enjoying a full family life at home with Benoit and Joseph.

Thank You

Thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping to support Abigail. The trust's website will provide further updates on Abigail's progress as time goes by.