Nicola’s life-affirming role in cancer shop
DROGHEDA author Nicola Pierce was one of many talented Irish artists to take part last week in a unique project celebrating work that may not have been completed if they hadn’t been survivors of cancer.
‘ The Shop that Nearly Wasn’t’ in Dublin’s Temple Bar is showcasing the many and varied creative contributions those who have survived, or are living with cancer, make to society, and Nicola, who has beaten breast cancer, joined dancer Michael Flatley, Senator David Norris, writer Emily Hourican, director Stephen Bradley, RTE Supergarden winner Grainne Walsh and award-winning author Peter Donnelly, too all lend their talents to the initiative.
“I was so delighted to be asked to take part, and we had a wonderful launch at the weekend, where Senator David Norris noticed me because of my colourful clothes and called me up,” says Nicola, who is known for her trademark blue hair! “My latest book – the book that nearly wasn’t - isn’t back from the publishers yet, but I brought along my Titanic books, which were completed during my diagnosis and treatment.”
Ireland’s leading cancer research charity, Breakthrough Cancer Research, opened the world’s first shop and events space entirely stocked and staffed by cancer survivors, to raise funds and highlight the urgent need for greater investment in cancer research.
The name of the shop reflects the fact that these marvellous individual achievements have only been made possible due to the result of ground-breaking cancer research, and items such as Michael Flatley’s painting went for over €3,000.
“The shop is selling art, photography, books, crafts, clothing and even protective sports gear, made by cancer survivors of all ages, from all over the country,” explains Nicola, who is originally from Tallaght but made Drogheda her home a decade ago. But one part of ‘ The Shop That Nearly Wasn’t’ will remain empty to highlight the fact that more research is needed in order to help more people survive,.’
Nicola endured five months of intensive chemotherapy, two major operations and one month of radiotherapy after a diagnosis of breast cancer in April 2018.
She is now glowing with health, and is preparing to launch her latest book ‘Chasing Ghosts’, which was delayed due to her gruelling chemo treatment.
“I find that I am a little low on energy sometimes, but that’s probably because I do too much,” she says with a laugh. “I’m doing more talks in Belfast next month about my Titanic books for National Book Day, and of course, the new book will be launched in a few weeks, and I’m also working on a new historical novel.”
Nicola would put most of us to shame with her boundless energy and watch this space in a week or so for details of her new book launch!