In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Sally shares the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of her daughter Abby — a vibrant, joyful child whose battle with cancer led to the creation of Abby’s Heroes, a charity now transforming the lives of families facing childhood cancer. From losing Abby in 2016 to building a vital support network embedded within University Hospital Southampton, Sally reflects on grief, resilience, and turning unimaginable pain into purpose. She reveals how Abby’s Heroes now provides family support workers, counselling, financial grants, sibling and grandparent support, and meaningful moments of connection for families navigating paediatric cancer. This conversation also shines a crucial light on the emotional toll carried by nurses, palliative teams, and healthcare professionals working long shifts on the frontline of child loss. Sally speaks candidly about the urgent need for mental health support and better wellbeing systems for those caring for others through the darkest moments. With remarkable honesty, Sally explores the masks people wear when answering “I’m fine,” the burden of grief, the loneliness of loss, and the strength it takes to protect others while surviving yourself. She also shares how “responsible selfishness” — from the gym to extraordinary cycling challenges like London to Paris — has become part of reclaiming her strength. This episode is a moving exploration of love, loss, survival and service — and a reminder that even in the aftermath of devastation, purpose can rise, communities can heal and extraordinary legacies can be built. Find out more about Abby's Heroes: https://abbysheroes.org/ Connect and Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/abbysheroes/ https://www.facebook.com/AbbysHeroesCharity/ Connect with Sally here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-randall/ EF training exists because nobody should have to pour from an empty cup. Founded by Jayne Ellis who learnt the hard way so you don't have too. If today's conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, share and leave a review - it helps more professionals who care find this community. If you or someone you know would like to join the conversation and be a guest on our podcast, please get in touch. Connect with us at info@eftraining.co.uk Visit us at http://eftraining.co.uk for more information about Jayne Ellis and learn about our Compassion Fatigue and Emotional Resilience Training for Organisations and Individuals. Please note: This podcast is intended for education and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or contact your GP. The views and options expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, values or position of EF training Ltd. Guest content is shared in the spirit of open conversation, learning and intended as a safe space for honest dialogue.
