Hi all,

 

Me and two of Nikki's dearest friends, Danny and Sian, and a few family friends are taking on the "Epic New Forest Sportive" - a 101 mile cycle ride, with over 4,000 ft elevation - in memory of my beloved sister Nikki. The ride takes place on 5th October, a year since we lost my baby sister to the most brutal and unforgiving of diseases. 

 

Nikki battled a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer for 17 months. Although she fought so hard, with amazing strength, the cancer could not be stopped. During this time we researched trials for new anti-cancer drugs to try and help Nikki to beat this terrible disease.  Unfortunately, we found that the funding for brain cancer trials, especially for the rarer types of brain cancer, is very limited in the UK. So we are taking on this crazy challenge to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, in an event that Nikki would certainly have loved, and one in which she would have thrashed us all!

 

Lewis

 

 

A message from Sian

 

Nikki was and is an inspiration to me. I remember talking to Nikki one day and she told me that she had rode from home (Marchwood) to work (Romsey Rapids), it would have been a treacherous and long bike ride but that didn't faze Nikki. I remember thinking how brave and/or crazy Nikki was for doing that. So it is rather apt that in honour of my beautiful friend I too am going to be taking on a huge biking challenge. I know Nikki will be really proud of our efforts and that she will be spurring me on to keep up with the boys, shouting from heaven "go Sianey!"

 

Nikki really loved sport and it was during our A level P.E lessons that Nikki and I met and made a friendship that was so special and I have so much to thank her for. With every turn of the bike wheel I will be thinking of all the special times we shared and pleased that I can do something positive in Nikki's name. Please donate generously for my amazing friend and a worthy cause. Thank you xxxx

 

 

A message from Danny

 

Dear all,

 

Firstly thank you for visiting our fund raising page. Your contribution is greatly valued and appreciated by us all. Brain Tumour Research receives limited funds and we hope that with your help we can raise a significant amount in memory of a special friend.

 

Nikki had this explosive aura and beauty about her that was unique and unmatched. She would naturally turn heads and drop jaws when out at night, often with the girls wishing they could be like her and their boyfriends wishing that they were with her. For me she has always been a close friend since we lived next door to each other and grew up together as kids.

 

Her pure energy and enthusiasm for life would often wear me out. I can distinctly remember the times she used to climb the trees outside our houses without a care in the world, leaving me (the short stumpy kid) at the base scratching my head wondering a) how to get my leg over the first branch and b) why a girl is able to climb a tree and this boy can’t.

 

On results day for our GCSE’s I can remember thinking I would definitely get a higher grade than her in graphics as that was MY lesson… Not only did she obtain a better grade in MY subject, but she whipped me in every other subject too, just to rub salt in the wounds. She just always had my number in everything we did. She was part way through her studies as a mature student at Southampton University when the illness struck and unfortunately she was unable to finish but I just know she would have stormed through it, like she did with all other challenges in her life.   

 

You could not hold Nikki back in life. If she wanted something, she would get it one way or another with this burning desire and sparkle in her eye that is so vivid in my mind. She achieved so much in her short life and she loved her life and the people she surrounded throughout it. I am honoured to have known Nikki and witnessed her achievements. I can honestly say I will not see a more beautiful and elegant lady in this world than I did on her Wedding day. In addition to this her courage and stamina shown through the illness, along with Nicki’s family and close friends has been inspiring.       

 

We all miss Nikki every day but she has taught me to try and react positively to difficult circumstances. That is what this challenge is about and we invite anyone who wants to join us to get in touch as you are welcome to come along in memory of a beautiful friend who will always be in my heart.

 

Thank you

 

Danny