Where do I begin... Nicola Helen Tongue – nee Snart NICKI to most, PICKLE to some, MOOM to Charlotte Jake and myself! Nicki was one of the beautiful people, she had more to give than anyone I’ve have ever known. You only have to look at MARY & DOUG (mum and dad) to know that Nicki came from good loving family stock, something I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing across her whole family tree. As a big family man myself, something I can very much relate to. But as many of you know, this family has suffered more than its fair share of tragedies, this being the latest trip into sadness and despair... As for Nicki... The early years, you will need to ask loving siblings DEAN and CLAIRE for details but generally I would go with something like this... DEAN, protective older brother, CLAIRE, taunting older sister, something which changed as all grew older. Brother remaining solid and supportive, Sister becoming a rock of support which saw the two sister’s families entwine along the way. School, Work, Fairfield Pub, Biker moll all part of growing up to reach the tender age of 20. Then one of Nicki’s first projects, originally setup by best friend JANE, was to pursue a rather unreliable, over drinking, rugby player. But if you believe in such, this was ordained, our paths already crossing on at least two occasions unbeknown to either of us and well before that wonderful 26th July 1985 meeting. Nicki’s beautiful nature, compelling spirit and sense of humour created our loving bond, which I will never lose. She took the aforementioned project, moulding me into the man I am today, giving me purpose and drive but above all becoming my wife,.... my best friend,... my life.... I have been fortunate to spend more than half my life with my beloved wife, that being split into what she considered a ridiculously long courtship, 6 years, followed by 20 and half years of happy marriage. Yes, we had our ups and downs and yes, we were different people but together we were truly GREAT. Nicki strengths complemented my weaknesses, Nicki’s ease with people... her likeability and friendliness... her glass always half full. She immediately embraced my family gaining another Mother and Father in MARGARET and TOM, another brother in GEOFF and two sisters in JENNY and MAGGIE, complete with better halves, and over time a huge list of nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. This lead to some wonderful family holidays and fantastic parties, held to celebrate... well anything we could think of. The kids birthdays where always very special, with the “Chocolate Caterpillar” making an unprecedented number of appearances. Camping trips, BBQ’s, house warming’s, bonfire nights…….. the list is endless. The old “Table for 23 please...” was the kid’s holiday favourite and also went down well with the various restaurant owners. Family time was special, throw in a few friends and we all have happy memories that will last forever... I think being a mother probably ranked as Nic’s proudest achievement, often boasting -“Look what I made earlier” and “how beautiful are these children” And to be fair - CHARLOTTE and JAKE you have been and will always be our wonderful children. Mums biggest regret would be not being able to see you both mature further, eventually having families of your own…..But rest assured……MOOM will be watching….. You are both a credit to your mother, she loved you more than anything else in the world. Nicki’s other talent was to collect friends. It would be fair to say with Nicki “once a friend always a friend”. I was fortunate to know and love Nicki for 26 odd years but I’ve always been jealous of her friends, some of whom can boast 41 years of love and support, JANE and KAREN being the luckiest. It was not only school where she gathered friends but every place she ever worked or socialised seemed to add numbers to her list. Her easy nature and likability seemed to make her friends at every turn, boys, girl’s, men and women alike. She never forgot any of them. Conversations often went along the lines, Hurby did this, Miri did that, Jimmy’s doing such and such, Viv doing so and so, Guy moved here, seen Maz there... like I say… no one forgotten. Her core friends bonded her to different groups, where she established more friends, somehow becoming queen in a hive of interconnecting friendships. She was asked to be a Bridesmaid and Godmother more times than I can actually remember... but she never forgot her responsibilities, guiding as many as she could through to adulthood. Oh yes she had her special projects… always keeping a watchful eye on JANE, ALI and DEE, to whom she provided unconditional love, friendship, help and advice. Nicki was a modern woman, Facebook and text were her ally in reaching many other friends. She loved nothing more than chatting and corresponding with as many friends as often as possible. How many times did I hear her on the phone saying “got any gossip”... she loved nothing more. A couple of themes have been repeated to me by many of Nicki’s friends – - Most will testify to her ability to be “there for them” listening to all their woe’s whilst never burdening anybody with hers. - Others commented on her being an absolute inspiration to them, as she constantly was to me. I’ve had the privilege of being allowed to share some of these friendships, receiving fantastic support and messages from so many during my “hour of need” and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Nic’s biggest challenge came 7 and a half years ago when, one April day, she discovered a lump in her right breast. Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 39 with two young children is one thing but be assured - no way on this earth was this going to hinder her relationship with her kid’s or their upbringing. To see Nic take to the swimming pool with the two kids, costume fitted complete with swim boob, made me so proud, my heart nearly burst, tears certainly did... She fought this cruel disease with grace and humour. I thought it would never get her.... how wrong could I be.... how sad can I be.... A true fighter……. an inspiration.... I am so proud of Nicki, her strength of character, her determination, never outwardly showing or complaining about her condition, she was truly inspiring. She was the best part of me and I will never be the same or complete without her. I Loved her so much........ Individually you all know what she meant to you, all will have a personnel favourite time or memory. I ask you to hold that in your heart and carry her memory with you for the rest of your lives, as I vow to do... Dearest gentle Nicki rest in peace All our Love....... your friends.... your family..... your Petal....