The Tauranga Cystic Sister passed away on Thursday afternoon
Kristie Purton made one of her closest friends promise to start a charity that would allow people suffering from a terminal illness to tick off their bucket list in one day of "magic".
It's a promise Melanie Quin has now fulfilled.
Purton, 35, and her younger sister Nikki Reynolds-Wilson wereborn with cystic fibrosis and had both recently undergone lung transplants.
Sadly, Purton's body began rejecting the lungs and the mother-of-three died on March 21.
Melanie Quin is starting the charity, A Day of Magic, following Kristie Purton's death. Photo / Andrew Warner
Known as Tauranga's Cystic Sisters, the pair won the hearts of the community for their 65 days of good deeds to raise awareness of the illness.
In her final days of life, local businesses, schools and Purton's friends and family donated time, money and experiences to surprise her with a day of sailing, flying, food and fun - all gifted by the community.
Melanie Quin, the wife of Purton's long-time friend Paul Cousins, wanted to help other people in Purton's shoes have a big day to remember, so she has started a charity named A Day of Magic.
"She asked me to make her a promise to make sure we can make it happen," Quin said.
People with life-threatening illnesses will be asked what their top three wishes are, she said.
Kristie Purton. Photo / File
"It could be something they have never done or have always wanted to do or something they never thought was possible. My mission will be to make sure their wish came true.
"To provide a little magic to those who are facing the end of life with the financial support of the Bay of Plenty community."
Whether it was organising for a relative from overseas to visit or a full day of activities like Purton's - the day would be "magical".
"Money can be a big stress in life and if we can provide just that one day, just a speckle of magic, that's what the Bay needs," Quin said.
She hoped the charity would be funded by local organisations and Givealittle pages set up by the families, but she is still finalising how it will all work.
Sophia Mason, 8, is giving away 65 roses to carry on Kristie Purton and Nikki Reynolds-Wilson's 65 days of good deeds. Photo / Andrew Warner
A ROSE FROM ME TO YOU
Tauranga 8-year-old Sophia Mason wants to give 65 roses to 65 strangers to brighten their days in honour of her best friend Kristie Purton.
Sophia's mother Dorne Mason said her daughter gave her first red rose to Kristie before she died earlier this month.
Dorne said her daughter had made a calendar in Kristie's favourite colour purple to mark each day she gifted a rose.
Sophia said she wanted to follow on the 65 random acts of kindness that Kristie and her sister Nikki Reynolds-Wilson committed to raising awareness of cystic fibrosis.
"She was my best friend," Sophia said.
Dorne said Sophia and Kristie shared a special bond.
"She [Sophia] was Kristie's favourite little person. She would text me and ask, 'How is my favourite little rockstar'," she said.
"They had the same amazing crazy personality. They enjoyed each other's company."
