Many of you will know Nicola, the heart and soul of Wimbledon Common parkrun, who lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday 26 May at St. Raphael’s Hospice. Nicola started parkrun in 2008 and was one of its most popular and regular runners. As well as being one of the volunteer co-ordinating team, Nicola was the first female Run Director, and the first and only female runner at our parkrun to complete 500 runs, and qualify for the coveted 500 T-shirt. And to illustrate Nicola’s devotion to Wimbledon Common parkrun, all 500 of her runs were completed on the Common.

Nicola is unique in having a corner named after her. ‘Nicola’s Corner’ was named following her discovery that runners were cutting a corner and, wanting to uphold fair play, she was often to be heard at this corner ticking-off runners who tried to take the short cut. Nicola’s bench will be positioned at this corner.

To raise £2,500 (the cost of the bench) will be fantastic but if more money is collected, the remainder will be split between the Trevor Howell Ward at St. George’s Hospital and St. Raphael’s Hospice. Thank you for helping us reach our target.