Dr Sabine Maguire, a "pioneering" former paediatric consultant and passionate advocate for children with disabilities, has stepped down from the Sparkle charity after more than two decades at the forefront of children's services in Gwent.

Dr Maguire was instrumental in establishing the award-winning Serennu Children's Centre and was described as being "at the heart of everything Sparkle does."

She leaves behind a legacy of inclusion, having transformed services for children with complex needs across the region. 

Dr Maguire said: "It is with very mixed emotions that I am stepping down as a trustee of Sparkle after 30+ years involved with the charity. 
"The children and families have always been at the heart of everything Sparkle does, and while the demands of our services continue to grow, we could never  have imagined when Serennu opened in 2011 that  in 2025 we would be supporting over 22 children every fortnight, with our incredible Family Liaison Service reaching 1,000 carers and wider family.

"I am immensely proud to have been part of Sparkle's success, which is due entirely to our incredible staff, and the amazing work they do every day with our children and carers.

"I wish Sparkle every success in the future, and look forward to watching it go from strength to strength." 

Sparkle was founded as a response to the 1991 community report, 'The Need is Obvious', which called for an integrated children's centre in Gwent.

The charity's mission was to provide holistic, specialist support for children with disabilities and developmental difficulties, and their families. 

Dr Maguire's vision and dedication helped Sparkle grow from an idea into a trusted and "vital" service.

Sparkle now operates from three children's centres and several satalite sites, supporting thousands of families across Gwent each year. 

Under Dr Maguire's leadership, Sparkle developed a range of inclusive services, including  accessible swimming, play and youth sessions, residential trips, and wraparound family support. 

These initiatives ensure that children with complex needs are able to enjoy the same experiences and opportunities as their peers.

In 2020, Sabine was awarded an honourary MBE in recognition of her outstanding contribution to children's health and wellbeing in Wales.

Janet Kelly, current chair of Sparkle, said: "Sabine has been an extraordinary driving force in the development of of the Sparkle charity and the delivery of enhanced leisure services for children and young people with disabilities and developmental difficulties.

"Her contribution has been immense over many years, and she will always be admired for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of these children and their families."

Throughout her time with Sparkle, Dr Maguire consistently placed the needs of chilren and young people at the centre of every decision. 

Whether writing reports, chairing meetings, or leading projects, her efforts were always driven by one goal: to ensure every child accessing Sparkle's services receives the highest standard of care and support. 

Sparkle remains firmly rooted in Dr Maguire's founding vision - creating an inclusive community where every child is supported, celebrated, and empowered to reach their full potential.