A little girl whose life was filled with love is inspiring a Highland family to help other children facing serious illness, with a local business stepping forward to support their remarkable journey.
Inverness parents Keith and Lizzie Mason are establishing Sophie’s Story in memory of their daughter, Sophie, who died in June 2026, shortly after celebrating her third birthday.
Now Stoddart Crane Hire has provided the family with a specially branded van to help carry Sophie’s name across the Highlands and Islands, raising awareness of the charity and the difference it hopes to make.
Sophie was diagnosed with Batten disease in November 2024, a rare inherited condition that affects the nervous system and causes progressive deterioration.
But her parents want their daughter to be remembered for far more than the illness that changed their lives.
They remember a little girl who brought enormous happiness to their family, whether enjoying precious holidays together or simply sharing the everyday moments that parents treasure.
Through Sophie’s Story, they hope to turn that love into something lasting for other families navigating the difficulties of caring for children with complex medical needs.
Their ambition is to improve access to specialist symptom management and care for children with conditions that shorten or limit their lives, particularly across the Highlands and Islands.
For families living in remote communities, specialist services can involve considerable travel and additional pressure at a time when being together matters most.
Keith and Lizzie believe better access to care closer to home could make an enormous difference.
Keith said:
“Being Sophie’s parents will always be the greatest privilege.
“We cannot give her the future she should have had, but we can keep sharing her story and ensure she lives on through Sophie’s Story and the legacy we hope to create for her.
“Having specialist care closer to home and our family would have made a real difference to us.
“We will always be grateful for the care and compassion we received, and we want to help other families feel less alone.
“Support from businesses like Stoddart Crane Hire reminds us that we are not trying to do this on our own.”
The family is taking a thoughtful approach to establishing the charity, looking carefully at which services could deliver the greatest benefit and how they might be sustained over time.
For now, their attention is focused on building relationships, raising awareness and encouraging others to become involved.
The van provided by Stoddart Crane Hire will help take Sophie’s Story to community events and business visits, while its distinctive livery will introduce the charity to people throughout the region.
Kerri MacDonald, Director of Stoddart Crane Hire, said:
“After hearing about Sophie and the family’s ambitions, we knew we wanted to help.
“Vehicles are part of our everyday business, so providing a van felt like a natural way to offer practical support.
“I’d encourage other businesses in our industry to get involved with causes in their communities.
“It doesn’t always have to mean money. Equipment, time, expertise or simply helping to spread the word can all make a difference.”
The family hopes other businesses and individuals will consider supporting Sophie’s Story through fundraising, sponsorship, practical assistance or simply helping more people hear about its ambitions.
Those interested can make contact through the Sophie’s Story Facebook page.
For Keith and Lizzie, every new connection represents another opportunity to build something meaningful in their daughter’s memory.
Sophie’s life was heartbreakingly short, but the love she brought into the world continues to inspire a future in which other Highland families may find the care, understanding and support they need.
