Fundraiser for young mum from Wirral who died in sleep

Feb 6 2013 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A FUNDRAISER is being held in memory of a young Wirral mum who died in her sleep.

Nicola Rigby, 26, was found dead at her home last July by her fiancé Mark Wilson.

The young mum had only given birth to her first child, daughter Lily, five months earlier.

In November, following a post mortem, the family were told that Nicola was unknowingly suffering from a form of diabetes, ketoacidosis (DKA) when she died.

Sister Rachel Rigby said: “Nicola was an amazing person, wonderful daughter and great sister.

“We were not aware that Nicola even had diabetes. She leaves behind a beautiful daughter Lily and a fiance Mark. In our thoughts forever.”

Nicola attended St John Plessington Catholic College in Bebington and worked as a supervisor at JJB Sports in Cheshire Oaks.

The couple lived in Wirral all their lives – Nicola in Eastham, Mark in Bromborough – until moving to Ellesmere Port together to live together.

They were hoping to move back to Wirral to be closer to friends and family.

Nicola was a member of St Mary’s Netball Club with her life-long friend Nicky Lam.

Now the club is hosting a netball tournament to raise money for her family and Diabetes UK on Saturday at Leasowe Recreation Centre, from 12pm until 5pm.

Nicky added: “I knew Nicola all her life, as we grew up across the road from each other.

“ She was a wonderful, fun, caring and happy person and she never had a bad word to say about anyone.

“Nicola gained a degree in Sports Development and she loved sport. She was a dedicated member of Vauxhall Ladies Football Club, as well as playing netball for St Mary’s Netball Club.

“The team really miss her and our netball tours to Pontins will never be the same.“

The tournament is open to the public with a raffle on the day.

Businesses looking to donate a prize should email nicky lam@ hotmail. co.uk