Nicola Harle organised the fundraiser on Facebook, asking friends and family to donate to Havens Hospices as an alternative to gifts and cards. It is something she has done for the past couple of years, raising more than £1,400 to support local hospice care.

Nicola was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2020 and underwent surgery. Although she was initially told there was no evidence of disease remaining, she later attended A&E with severe back pain in May 2022 and was diagnosed with Chromophobe Renal Cell Cancer, a rare form affecting around 4% of kidney cancer patients. She was told the cancer had returned and spread, and that treatment would focus on controlling its growth.

Later that year, Nicola was introduced to Fair Havens through her Community Nurse and has since received a wide range of support from the hospice, including counselling, complementary therapies and group workshops.

Speaking about the care she receives, Nicola said, “They have wrapped their arms around me and my family during the hardest time of our lives.

“The staff and volunteers always raise my spirits – they are phenomenal. I have never met a group of such kind, patient and understanding people. They really go above and beyond for everyone that comes here.

“I cannot thank the supporters of Havens Hospices enough. Havens Hospices has been a lifeline to me.”

Nicola hopes her birthday fundraiser will help ensure more local families can access the same support that has made such a difference to her life.

Havens Hospices provides specialist care and support for adults and children living with incurable conditions across Essex, both in the community and at its hospices, Fair Havens and Little Havens. The charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising to continue providing its services free of charge to families who need them.

Anyone wishing to support Havens Hospices can choose to fundraise in celebration of a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, helping raise vital funds so the charity can continue providing specialist hospice care and support free of charge to local families who need it.

For more information on how you can support Havens Hospices, including upcoming fundraising events and challenges, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/support-us

Published 24th February 2026