Local woman raises bucketful of cash for charity

Thursday 19 November 2015

A local woman is finally putting her feet up after raising thousands to help other women and their families.

Nicky Holgate-Smith had a bucket list of challenges to get through before turning 40 in December to raise money for Islanders affected by the loss of a baby.

Nicky said: “I became inspired by Jo Nash who founded Philip's Footprints. Jo’s amazing work was recognized when she won most Inspiring Woman in Jersey and rightly so. I then hit upon the idea of completing a year of bucket list challenges as I turn the big 40th this year. 

“I thought that I could either celebrate or commiserate the fact. In the end I have chosen to embrace the fact I’m turning 40 and felt I could do something positive to help others and so decided to raise funds for Philip's Footprints.”

Nicky has spent the last year conquering her fear of heights and burning things – having abseiled down Mont Orgueil Castle and baked cakes to raise money for Philip's Footprints.

While the rest of us were busy eating Easter eggs, she was completing a 24-hour triathlon with some of her St John's netball club teammates at the Mayfair Hotel and she spent the summer facing her fear of creepy crawlies and snakes when she attempted an "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" type challenge at Durrell.

Nicky and her netball team were back together in July to attempt to beat a world record with a 12-hour netball-athon and they're still waiting to hear whether they've succeeded.

She organised a scavenger hunt in September and finished off her fundraising with a Moonlight walk last weekend.

She's raised almost £6,700 for Philip's Footprints - smashing her £5,000 target. 

Nicky said: "I’m totally blown away by the support I have had. A lot of people now know about Philip's Footprints. I hoped it would raise awareness, that was my aim."

The charity provides memory boxes for parents facing the devastating loss of their baby, from early second trimester to full term or neonatal loss. Over the last few years they've given them to over 200 bereaved families in the Channel Islands.

The charity's founder Jo Nash said: "Having Nicky support us for the past year has not only raised a tremendous amount of money, £6,675 and rising (which will remain in Jersey) but has also significantly raised the profile of our charity.

"It is amazing the effect one person can have and Nicky has not only faced some fears with her challenges but also inspired others to do their own challenges while fundraising for us.

"We will always provide memory boxes to parents facing the loss of their baby, however this year Nicky's efforts will create a lasting legacy as we have been in a position to fund 45 places on course in Jersey organised by Baby Lifeline (a UK charity).

"These courses provide high caliber, cutting-edge multi-disciplinary training for Jersey health professionals. This promotes best practice and improves the safety in the care of pregnant women and their unborn and and newborn babies and this is a real benefit to all pregnant women in Jersey."

After a busy year, Nicky is looking forward to celebrating her fortieth next month with her husband relaxing on a beach in Mexico!