When Nick learned his time was limited, he made a heartbreaking yet beautiful decision. The father from West Sussex, UK, devoted his final months to writing 30 years’ worth of birthday cards for his twin daughters, Rose and Sophia.
Nick passed away in 2020 at just 34 years old, leaving behind his wife, Victoria, and the little girls who were only 17 months old at the time. Despite the devastating reality of his brain tumor, Nick found a way to stay present in their lives, even after he was gone.
Nick wrote cards for his twin daughters while dying from an aggressive brain tumour so he could be with them in spirit. https://t.co/hws98a75Pl
— BBC South East (@bbcsoutheast) July 12, 2023
Victoria shared how much these cards mean to her and how they will one day give the twins a window into their father’s remarkable strength and love. “He wanted to still be with them on their birthdays,” she explained.
Nick’s journey wasn’t easy. In the last six months of his life, he lost the ability to speak, relying solely on non-verbal communication. Yet he remained resilient, balancing work while undergoing grueling rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Victoria called him her “pillar of strength,” a sentiment echoed by everyone who knew him.
But Nick’s legacy doesn’t end with the cards. Inspired by her husband’s battle, Victoria is now campaigning for greater brain tumor research funding. “Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and young adults under 40,” she said. “Yet only 1% of cancer research funding in the UK has gone toward it since 2002.”
Her efforts include backing a petition to raise awareness and demand more investment in treatments. Many people have been moved by her family’s story, sharing their grief and admiration online.
One person commented: “What a beautiful, selfless thing to do for his daughters. It’s heartbreaking but also so inspiring.” Another said, “We need more funding for brain tumor research. Stories like this shouldn’t be so common.”
Nick’s legacy is one of love and hope—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can leave something behind to brighten the future.
What do you think of Nick’s incredible gesture? Share this story to help raise awareness about brain cancer and honor his memory.
