“I’ve never thought about a legacy really, but I want to leave one to help St Giles,” were among Nicola’s last recorded thoughts before she died in October 2024, aged 45.
Now, as St Giles Hospice marks the second phase of the National Hospice Legacy Campaign, running from September 15 to October 5, Nicola’s passionate advocacy for hospice awareness stands as a testament to the difference one person’s voice can make.
The campaign, brought together by Hospice UK under the banner ‘This is Hospice Care’, sees the powerful national TV advert return to screens from Monday 15th September, supported by local activity from 143 participating hospices across England, Scotland, and Wales. The campaign aims to ensure vital hospice services remain available for future generations through gifts in wills.
Through her TikTok channel as “Nicky New,” Nicola opened honest conversations about end of life care that continue to resonate. Her message was clear: “You would be surprised to learn what funding they get. It’s hardly anything. So it’s definitely run by all fundraising and people don’t realise this.”
What Nicola discovered, that hospices rely almost entirely on charitable support, remains as relevant today. St Giles Hospice still spends close to £10 million annually providing specialist care, with less than a quarter of this funded by the Government.
Friend Kelly Davis, who was with Nicola in her final weeks, reflects on the lasting impact of her friend’s advocacy: “Nicky was passionate about making sure other people would have the same peaceful end she experienced. She wanted everyone to know how much hospices depend on people’s generosity.”
Elinor Eustace, CEO of St Giles Hospice, said: “Nicola’s courage in sharing her story continues to help others understand why legacy gifts are so vital. Her legacy lives on through the conversations she started and the awareness she raised about the importance of hospice care. One in six of our patients are cared for through gifts in wills, making these donations truly precious in helping us continue providing vital care to our community.
“Her passionate advocacy reminds us that hospice care touches all our lives, and while we continue to face significant financial challenges, including increased costs and ongoing funding pressures, it’s the generosity inspired by voices like Nicola’s that enables us to maintain our commitment to providing outstanding end of life care across Staffordshire, North Birmingham and surrounding areas.”
As the anniversary of Nicola’s death approaches this October, her family and friends are continuing her advocacy, encouraging others to consider how they too can help hospice care live on for all, for now, forever.
To support those considering leaving a gift in their will, St Giles Hospice has partnered with will-writing experts Octopus Legacy to offer a free will-writing service. This helps ensure peace of mind while making it easy to support hospice care for future generations.
To find out more about leaving a gift in your will to St Giles Hospice, visit: stgileshospice.com/support-us/donate/gifts-in-wills
