Life of 'special and unique' Hartlepool mum Nicola Kenny celebrated after losing cancer fight at 43

By Mark Payne

Hartlepool Specialist Reporter

Published 12th Jan 2021, 15:11 BST
Updated 12th Jan 2021, 15:13 BST
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A ‘unique and special lady’ who always strived to make people’s lives better was celebrated as loved ones said their final farewells at her funeral.

Passionate campaigner and mum of three Nicola Kenny, who died after a determined battle with cervical cancer at just 43, was warmly remembered in a moving service on Tuesday, January 12.

Tribute was paid to her joyful and fun-loving outlook on life as well as her drive to fight for worthwhile community causes and help others.

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Celebrant Brian Bullock, who led the service at Hartlepool Crematorium, said Nicola would live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her and be greatly missed.

Friends and loved ones gather outside Stranton Crematorium for the funeral of Nicola Kenny (inset).Friends and loved ones gather outside Stranton Crematorium for the funeral of Nicola Kenny (inset).
Friends and loved ones gather outside Stranton Crematorium for the funeral of Nicola Kenny (inset).

He told the congregation: “We’re drawn here by our common love, respect and grief. It is an occasion for sorrow but also for thanks that Nicola lived among us.

"Special is a word that best describes Nicola.”

Brian said her three sons Kaleb, 23, Joel, 20, and her ‘shadow’ Zac, 10, were her world.

“She was totally devoted to them,” he said. “Nothing was as important.”

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Nicola's coffin is carried into the chapel.Nicola's coffin is carried into the chapel.
Nicola's coffin is carried into the chapel.

Nicola went to English Martyrs school and before having children worked at Garlands call centre.

She worked for the last 13 years as a teaching assistant at St Bega’s Primary School on the Headland where she lived and was also a popular member of Hartlepool United’s bar staff team.

She was always involved in some kind of voluntary work from Barndardo’s projects, to campaigning to save a Surestart centre and was a founder member of the Save Hartlepool Hospital group.

"Nicola had a great purpose in life and it was to improve people’s lives wherever she could,” added Brian.

Nicola with her youngest son and 'shadow' Zac.Nicola with her youngest son and 'shadow' Zac.
Nicola with her youngest son and 'shadow' Zac.

"She lived by the saying ‘shy bairns get nowt’.”

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She was also a ‘party girl’ developing a love for music and nights out with friends as a teenager.

Nicola continued to live life to the full as an adult going with girlfriends and her kids to music concerts and festivals such as Kendal Calling.

But she also loved quiet nights in with her boys watching Netflix and getting a takeaway.

Nicola remained positive and upbeat even after her cancer diagnosis last May.

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She passed away surrounded by her family at Alice House Hospice on Saturday, January 2.

Her family have started a fund in aid of Alice House at GoFundMe.

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