Mum fundraising for Make a Wish after terminal brain tumour diagnosis

After forming a relationship with childhood friend Paul Griffin, Nicola Speakman, from Windle, said "everything seemed to be going [her] way".

With three children between them, the pair had just moved in together and were planning to get married in the Lake District in November.

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Nicola was planning to marry Paul in the Lake District in November (Image: Nicola Speakman)

Their world was turned upside down, however, after Nicola started having episodes of her speech stuttering and "vacant moments" where she felt that life was passing her by.

After an initial assessment at Whiston Hospital found that the 42-year-old had a "shadow on her brain", further scans showed that this was primary glioblastoma, an aggressive and terminal form of cancer.

Devastated by the news, Nicola and Paul cancelled their Lake District wedding and a celebratory holiday in Florida next year, instead opting for a small registry service at St Helens Town Hall.

However, determined to stay positive for her family, Nicola has been fundraising for the Make-a-Wish Foundation to ensure that children who are diagnosed with critical illnesses have the opportunity to have their wishes come true.

Nicola was diagnosed after having difficulties with her speech (Image: Nicola Speakman)

Nicola said: "I've always been a positive person and someone who likes to help others, and I think a positive mindset goes a long way.

"After my diagnosis, I started thinking about all the places that I haven't had the chance to see yet, but then thought about all the children with critical illnesses who have never had these opportunities.

"I've had 42 years to do as much as I can, so I want to give these children the chance to see something amazing and fulfill their wish.

"This gives me something to focus on and a reason to stay positive."

Following the shock of the diagnosis, Nicola said she has been overwhelmed by the generosity she has received through her fundraiser.

Along with the support of her family, friends, and colleagues at Crank nursery, this has given her another reason to remain positive in the circumstances.

Nicola is fundraising for Make-A-Wish UK to stay positive (Image: Nicola Speakman)

Nicola added: "You often hear about bad news and people feeling the pinch in the cost of living crisis, so I've been overwhelmed with people's kindness and it really has restored my faith in humanity.

"I've had so many people sending messages of support and even people who I don't know have donated to the fundraiser.

"If people can just give a pound or something little to the fundraiser, it can go a long way and it really does mean a lot to me."

Declaring she will "fight as hard as [she] can" for her children, Nicola will also broadcast her head shave following her bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

To support her fundraiser and donate towards Make-A-Wish UK, you can follow this link.