INSPIRATIONAL Westbury man, Nick Jones, who set up ‘The Nick Jones Foundation for Bereaved Children’ when he found out he was terminally ill, died suddenly on Friday 6th November.
A statement released by the foundation on behalf of Nick’s family Mel, Cameron and Lara said he had suffered a suspected heart attack when out on his bike. The statement read, “It is some comfort to know that Nick had had a really good day and been dancing, singing and laughing on Spotify on his new phone, just being the Nick Jones we all loved and admired. Nick has been an inspiration to so many people showing us how to deal with adversity through his determination, courage and of course his sense of humour.”
Nick experienced heart problems since 2012 after a small stroke and was later diagnosed with malignant hypertension, which attacks the heart and internal organs. He was supported by the Dorothy House team for end-of-life planning.
Mindful of his own teenage children and the effects of bereavement on a family, Nick set up the charity, The Nick Jones Foundation for Bereaved Children. to ensure that all children and young people have the guidance and support they need when dealing with the loss of parents, family members and friends.
He then embarked on a series of huge fundraising projects which he was determined to undertake.
In April 2018, he organised the ‘Night to Remember’ in Westbury, which raised over £7,000. Nick was joined at the event by celebrity Peter Andre, who became the foundation’s ambassador.
Other fundraising events included a music festival, The Big Westbury Weekender, and a charity bingo evening at Players Bar, which drew in huge crowds, and raised thousands more for the charity foundation.
Nick told White Horse News at the time, “I’m the type of person that when you do something, you don’t do things by halves, You have one time on this earth, so why not go all out?
“Loss is loss, no matter what takes you, all we can do is try to support those around us.”
In October of that year, he achieved what seemed like the impossible, by leading a team of climbers to the Everest base camp in aid of his foundation.
Nick was also nominated for the White Horse News ‘Westbury Person of the Year 2018.’
The Nick Jones Foundation for Bereaved Children said, “Everyone at the Foundation will continue Nick’s work and do all we can in the future to help support children who have suffered bereavement.”
“The charity is his legacy, his family’s pride and our inspiration. Please make donations on Nick’s Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/NickJonesFoundation
