Nicky will hate this. She's a proud, independent women who can take care of her own. But I'm far enough removed from her life that if she kicks off about this, well so what. She is a warrior who has taken us on a journey of love and hope. When her beloved Andy had a devastating heart attack we remained glued to Facebook to find out the prognosis. It wasn't good. Yet Nicky remained stoic and in keeping us informed of Andy's progress, she embraced us with her love and I still buy into that hope. She showed us her strength, she loved and cared for her darling Finn and her care embraced us, even imploring us to check our own health!

I don't know the ending of this story. I do know that I would love to do more to help her. She's kick-ass, what's not to like? But I'm selfish. My contribution is money. Not very sentimental, I get that. But Andy's on a waiting list and neither he nor Nicky can wait. So I hope you will join me in contributing to a cause that has touched me; with love, sorrow, hope and northern grit.