Remembering Ruby and Carrying Her Light Forward
Remembering Ruby and Carrying Her Light Forward
Many of you will remember Ruby Leigh Pollard, a bright, joyful little girl whose courage touched hearts across the Rett community.
Over the past year, Ruby’s family have shown extraordinary generosity in allowing her story to be shared, not only to remember Ruby herself, but to help others understand what progress, courage, and love truly look like in the real world.
As time moves forward, we want to ensure that Ruby is remembered not only in moments of reflection, but as a continuing presence within our community.
A permanent place for Ruby on our website
In the coming months, we will be creating a permanent memorial page on the Reverse Rett website dedicated to Ruby.
This space will honour Ruby’s life, her spirit, and her contribution to Rett research; a place families can return to, and where Ruby’s light can continue to shine as part of our shared history. It will sit not as a moment in time, but as an enduring reminder of the children and families at the heart of everything we do.
Ruby will always be part of the Reverse Rett story.
Introducing the Ruby Award
We are also honoured to share a new initiative, created with Ruby’s family, that looks firmly to the future.
Beginning this year, we will introduce the Ruby Award, presented annually at the Reverse Rett Gala to recognise one exceptional fundraiser or team of fundraisers from our community. Nominations will be reviewed by a small panel, including Ruby’s mum, Sandra who will consider the spirit, impact, and commitment shown
The Ruby Award will celebrate the qualities Ruby embodied so naturally:
Joy
Determination
Generosity of spirit
and the power of one person to make a difference
Each year, the award will recognise someone whose fundraising efforts have gone above and beyond not just in the amount raised, but in heart, creativity, and commitment to the Rett community.
In this way, Ruby’s name will continue to be spoken with gratitude and purpose, linked to hope, action, and progress.
With gratitude
We are deeply grateful to Ruby’s family for their trust, their openness, and their wish to see Ruby remembered in ways that help others. It is a privilege to carry Ruby forward with such care.
Ruby was, and always will be a shining light.
And through this memorial and the Ruby Award, her light will continue to guide us as we work together towards a better future for everyone affected by Rett syndrome.
Nominations for the Ruby Award will open annually each year on Ruby’s birthday, 31st January.