NIKKI Bowdidge really is one in a million - a statement backed up by her extraordinary fundraising efforts.
The 54-year-old founded the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation in February 2014, in memory of much-loved son Tom.
Brave Tom raised £175,000 while fighting an aggressive stomach cancer before sadly dying in October 2013, at the age of just 19.
Mrs Bowdidge has continued his amazing legacy, tirelessly fundraising and helping hundreds of children and young adults with cancer across the UK.
Husband Richard dropped us a line and said his kind-hearted, selfless wife truly deserves to be one of the Gazette’s Community Champions.
He said: “Setting up a charity can be daunting but doing that and running it almost single-handedly?
“That’s Nikki to a tee. For more than six years, she’s continued the amazing legacy left by Tom and, between them, they’ve helped hundreds of young people with cancer across the UK.
Fundraising mission - Nikki Bowdidge has helped hundreds of children and young adults living with cancer
“However, unlike charities which employ different people for help and expertise, she just puts a different hat on and powers through.
“In the last year alone, the foundation has helped more than 150 young people, who have not only been dealing with cancer but the impact of the pandemic on their treatment and lives.”
The foundation recently hit the £1 million total fundraising milestone, thanks to Mrs Bowdidge’s determination.
“She also keeps track of vital research, sponsorship for the foundation and ways they can make patients’ lives more manageable through new projects,” added Mr Bowdidge, who lives with his family in West Bergholt.
“And if that sounds like hard work, she also looks out for myself and our daughter, Emma.
“Nikki really is wonder woman but so much of what she does is done quietly and below the radar.
“She deserves some personal recognition.”
* Do you know someone who has gone the extra mile during the pandemic?
From collecting shopping and donations to running errands and raising money, the challenges of the past year have brought the best out in certain people.
Individuals, groups and, of course, our key workers have gone out of their way to help others, often selflessly donating their time and energy to support friends and neighbours.
There are real heroes out there and we don’t want their good deeds to go unnoticed.
In fact, we want to reward them by shining the spotlight on their acts of kindness.
First, we need your help.
Drop us a line using the link below and tell us who you’re nominating as a community champion.
They might be a hard-working key worker - a nurse, doctor or shop worker.
Maybe you want to thank the delivery drivers, rubbish collectors, teachers, police and firefighters who have kept things running during these challenging times.
Or maybe you would like to flag up the efforts of someone who has done something special within your community - an act of kindness that has helped you or others and spread some cheer and goodwill.
Give us their name and tell us what they’ve done to help, support and inspire you and others. If you have a picture, even better.
Send us some details to matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk or by heading HERE.
READ MORE:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here