In January 2025, Nicki was diagnosed with a Grade 3 astrocytoma — a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. This type of tumour is especially difficult to treat because it is unmethylated, meaning it often does not respond well to the standard treatments typically offered.

Since her diagnosis, Nicki has endured an awake brain surgery, 33 rounds of radiotherapy, and 7 out of 12 planned rounds of chemotherapy. Despite everything she has already been through, recent scans have shown that the tumour is still growing, meaning the treatments currently available to her through the NHS are not stopping the disease.

Brain cancer statistics are devastating. Around 87% of people diagnosed with brain cancer do not survive beyond five years. For patients like Nicki, time is incredibly important. Unfortunately, the reality is that accessing alternative or more advanced treatments through the NHS can take time — time that people facing aggressive brain tumours simply do not have.

There are promising alternative treatments and specialists available internationally that could offer Nicki more options and a better chance, but acting quickly is critical. These treatments are not readily accessible through the NHS and require private funding to pursue.

The money raised will be used to support Nicki, my partner, in accessing alternative cancer treatments following her diagnosis of a Grade 3 astrocytoma. These treatments can be costly and are not covered by standard healthcare, but they may provide additional support, symptom relief, and hope alongside traditional medical care.

Sharing her story publicly hasn’t been easy. It’s a deeply vulnerable thing to do. But Nicki chose to speak out to raise awareness — especially among young people — about the importance of listening to your body and taking symptoms seriously.

This fundraiser is to help Nicki access alternative treatments and specialist care as quickly as possible, giving her the best possible chance to fight this disease.

Any support — whether through donating or simply sharing her story — means more than we can ever express. Thank you for standing with Nicki and helping us fight for more time and more options.

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