£10,000 donated to RUH in memory of local woman

OVER £10,000 has been raised for charity in memory of a Melksham woman since she died three years ago.

Friends and family of local woman Nicola Robertson have held numerous fundraising events in recent years to raise money for the Bath RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal.

The Nicola Robertson tribute fund was set up after she died of cancer in 2013 aged just 28 and now the total has passed £10,000. Along with her mother, Bev Viveash, Nicola had raised money for the charity during her illness.

Events including street parties, a fire walk and the Race for Life have since raised money towards the fund in her memory. A fun day at Melksham’s New Inn this summer raised £1,738 with the cheque being handed over recently.

Nicola’s mum, Bev said, “Myself and Nic’s dad, John, are thrilled that so much has been raised. No amount will ever bring our daughter back and the whole family still desperately misses her, but I think she would be proud of what everyone has done.

“Nic and I started supporting the appeal when she was having her chemo and radiotherapy, because she wanted to help improve the facilities at the RUH. She had friends far and wide who have helped with the fundraising. We’ve got a few more small things planned, and we will keep raising money in her memory.”

Organiser of the fun day in August, Melksham woman Tracie Winslow, was a close friend of Nicola’s.

Tracie said, “The day was such a huge success and I still cannot believe how many people came along on the day to show their support.

“Nic died at a very young age, leaving behind three young children. I was heartbroken and it made me want to help in whatever way I could to fundraise for Nic’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal and show my support towards her tribute fund. I organised a big fundraiser when Nic was ill. Sadly she died a week before the event, which was so very difficult for everyone.

“I felt the time was right to fundraise again this summer. Nic loved spending time with her family and enjoyed seeing children happy. I thought it would be a fitting tribute to bring families together at the family fun day in her honour.”

Jan Witt, legacy officer for the Forever Friends Appeal said, “I know how much hard work and time was put in leading up to the event and on the day itself, not just by Tracie but also her friends and family. I would like to express my grateful thanks to each and every one of them.

“This fantastic amount donated to the Nicola Robertson tribute fund has helped the fund reach a significant target of £10,000. This milestone ensures that Nicola’s name will be acknowledged within the design of the new cancer centre, which will be a truly wonderful building and will make a difference to improving the environment, facilities and equipment that  complement the cancer services at the RUH.”