Page 29 - Inspire

“We were among the ‘luckier’ families, with 20
people allowed to attend Nick’s funeral. Still, this
was just the tip of the iceberg, as many more who
wanted to come. He was loved by so many.
Nick really cared. Since he died, several people
have taken the time to write to me and share the
positive impact he made on their lives. Some even
told me his advice had changed their lives.
There was one friend from university who was
struggling, and on the brink of leaving. Nick took
him under his wing and he stayed. Sadly, I don’t
think Nick ever knew about it.
That was just the kind of person Nick was, he had
such an approachable nature. He wasn’t what you
would call outgoing, but he was a sociable person,
comfortable in his own skin. When you talked to
him, he really listened.
He was interested in you and, if you asked for his
advice, he would sit and consider the situation
carefully before offering it.
Apart from his family, Nick had two main passions
in life, wine and golf. He was the captain of our
golf club when he was diagnosed and he remained
totally committed to the role.
Prior to his diagnosis, he’d organised a captain’s
away trip in Nottingham for 48 guys from the club.
But his trip now happened to be right in the
middle of his radiotherapy.
He managed to arrange his appointments
around the trip. He had one session at 8am
in London, then got the train to Nottingham
to make his afternoon tee-time.
He even gave a presentation at the dinner
that night - and received a standing ovation.
He played again the next morning before
getting a train home to attend his next
session that evening. That was Nick -
dedicated and determined.
Nick’s nurses told me about Roy Castle Lung
Cancer Foundation. They were so wonderful
throughout Nick’s diagnosis and treatment, I asked
them what I could do to support them, and they
recommended supporting the charity.
I went on the MuchLoved website and saw others
setting up Lasting Tributes. I was hesitant at first,
but after looking into it a bit more, I realised it was
a wonderful way for everyone to share their
memories or show their support at a time when
they physically couldn’t.
I spent a long time putting together Nick’s tribute
page. Our daughter, Isabel, told me to stop fussing
about it. Nick would have said the same! ‘Oh, hurry
up and just do it,’ he’d have said, but I wanted to
get it just right. I felt the more I put into it, the
more others would too.
It was so easy to do and I actually really enjoyed
it, looking back at all our old photos and conjuring
up memories momentarily forgotten. It is also so
lovely to read the tributes and look at the pictures
others have shared, some of which I’ve never seen
before.
The tribute page also allows people to make a
donation to the charity. At times like this, people
want to help, and this is a way for them to do that.
We’ve raised over £7,500. Nick would be really
proud of that. I know I am. Even now, he’s still
supporting those who need him.”