Nicola or Nicki to her many friends was always going to be "special" Although she was born 16 days late, she walked early, she talked early, she did absolutely everything before she was meant to! And she did (almost) everything very, very well. Nicola was keen to try most things, St. Johns Cadet Badgers, Brownies then Guides; achieving the Baden-Powell Award. She gained her 1000M swimming badge aged 10, and represented her hometown swimming club on several occasions. Nicola loved to be daring, climbing was fun and she would try and lead the way before being fully trained or properly secured. Nicki had the unique opportunity to stand as a candidate to become the very first Young Mayor of Melton Mowbray. This was a democratic election by her peers in a selected age group against 3 other very electable young men. Needless to say Nicki was elected with a clear majority, and she set about trying to lay the foundations for future Young Mayors to assist all of the young people in the Borough. (Also within the County of Leicestershire) Although it was extremely hard at times, she had many great days in her year as Young Mayor: Visiting and "driving" HMS Quorn Minesweeper around the Isle of Wight. Participating in a "Junior Question Time" with Friend Jonny McGrady, Duncan Greene, Coucillors Peter Osborne & Joe Orton and the Right Honourable Mr Alan Duncan MP as the Chairman. Nicola was then invited to join the Melton Mowbray youth Coucil for a day with Mr Duncan on a visit to the Houses of Parliament. She gained leadership skills at 2 residential courses at "Brathay" and was also presented with "The Lord-Lieutenants Award for young people" from Jennifer, Lady Gretton, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire 2 years running' for being the "Voice for young People" Nicola finshed her GCSE's with 4 A*s 4 A's a BTEC Distinction and a B and C grade in some obscure subjects like Drama and French Nicki joined the Melton's ATC (Air Training Corps) so that she may gain experience flying in order to become a pilot, then an astronaut, as her dream was to become the first person on Mars. Obviously she became aware that she was not going to achieve this dream and settled back down to more achievable ambitions, studying for her A levels which included English, Psycology, History, and her favourite subject.... Maths! Nicola had become a young woman and enjoyed her friends company more than her families (as we all do.) She had become very fond of a very handsome young man - Ryan Salmon and had become engaged to him only last year 2010(in the manner of the new generation - just asking the question and doing the correct responding.) Nicki wore his ring with pride - though I never formally asked about the engagement, I was happy for them both. As with young romance, break ups form part of the scene, and we were all sad when they parted last September. We were also unsure how to react when Nicki & Ryan got back together late in the year, only just having time to get Xmas presents for Ryan before the big day itself. Nicki's last meaningful words to me that were absolutely from her heart were: "I love him (Ryan) from the bottom of my heart" We love you so much, and we miss you so much Nicola. We understand that you will never walk through the door again, never make an excuse that doesn't need to be made again, never be able to do anything that will make us so proud of you again, but know this: We will always be proud of you, we will always make the excuses you need for you, we will always be your parents, we will always love you without conditions, we will always be thinking of you and we will always remember you. Your spirit remains in us forever. Where ever you maybe my sweet angel, "Party like it's 1999" Love always Mum & Dad, Billy & Michael <3 <3 <3