Abducted as Infant in 1994, Woman Dies of Cancer at 30

A woman who was abducted from a hospital as an infant when she was merely three hours old has passed away at the age of 30. In 1994, newborn Abbie Humphries was taken from the maternity ward at the Queen’s Medical Centre, in Nottingham, by a woman impersonating a nurse. She was located 16 days later following a national search. Her husband, Karl Sundgren, whom she married in 2017, announced in a social media post that she died peacefully on Sunday, four years after receiving a diagnosis of grade four brain cancer. Paying tribute to her, he stated: “Abbie was so strong and her infectious smile will forever remain in our hearts.” Abbie reportedly did not become aware of her abduction until she relocated at the age of 10 and discovered press cuttings. Police reportedly received a tip-off indicating that former dental nurse Julie Kelley, aged 22 at the time, had been pregnant and informed people she was anticipating a boy, yet subsequently returned home with a baby girl. The infant Abbie was discovered in a property situated in the Wollaton area of Nottingham and was reunited with her parents, Roger and Karen Humphries. Kelley admitted guilt to the charge of taking Abbie and was placed on probation for three years, in addition to receiving treatment for a personality disorder. The family relocated to New Zealand during Abbie’s childhood. Doctors identified a 5cm brain tumour in November 2020, after Abbie began experiencing headaches following her mother’s death from breast cancer. After her diagnosis, she informed the Mail on Sunday: “There is no point feeling angry or blaming anything. We have just had a terrible amount of bad luck.” She further added: “I usually choose to look at the positive side of everything. It makes everyone feel better.” In the social media message published after her passing, Mr Sundgren penned: “Our beautiful Abbie peacefully passed away yesterday, surrounded by loved ones.” He continued: “She fought so hard with so much strength and grace for over four years and can finally rest.” He also mentioned that a celebration of her life would be held on Saturday in Whenuapai, in Auckland. For updates, follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material on external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.