Swindon mum widowed after A361 crash closes charity
Abby Lever, 32, co-founded Wiltshire Moon and Stars in August 2021[1] after finding a lack of support following the death of her husband Ewen.
The much-loved 29-year-old died in a crash involving his van, a lorry and a 4x4, between Burford and Lechlade in December 2020. He left behind Abby and their two children Ayla and Poppy, who was just 11 months old at the time.
Abby Lever with late husband Ewen and their two children Poppy and Ayla
And it is an ongoing struggle with both her continuing grief and those family commitments that has led to Abby and her charity partner Jamie Davey making the decision to close their charity down.
In a statement on social media, she said: "Today we were invited to the Family Day at Wiltshire Treehouse. A charity close to our hearts, that supports children who have suffered a bereavement.
"It’s been nearly two years since the launch of Wiltshire Moon and Stars and it has enabled us to connect with many people who are also widowed with children.
"The journey started with two bereaved families wanting to make a difference and helps others like us.
"We have had the pleasure of working closely with Wiltshire Treehouse over the past few years and they have provided amazing support.
"Due to busy lives, it’s proven difficult to fulfil the dreams we had for this charity… therefore all funds raised will be donated to Wiltshire Treehouse.
"Just under £5,500 will be donated in the next few weeks to help other children and families like us.
"Thank you to everyone who has followed my journey and supported the charity."
Abby Lever, Jamie Davey and their children
Abby connected with Jamie as he was another widowed parent of two children having lost his wife Kelly just weeks before Ewen's crash.
The pair set up Wiltshire Moon and Stars in August of 2021 to provide support to other bereaved parents and create a network of people going through the same ordeal.
They carried out fundraising activities, including a skydive and organised meet-ups for bereaved families to get together, but have now jointly made the decision not to continue.
Abby, a former worker at Nationwide, was recently made redundant and is now focusing on starting her own business as a beauty therapist in aesthetics.
References
- ^ co-founded Wiltshire Moon and Stars in August 2021 (www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk)