‘Inspirational’ Nicki prompts new charity

TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to Nicki Waterman, fitness trainer to the stars, following her death from a rare form of cancer.

Mrs Waterman, who was a member of Belsize Square Synagogue, was diagnosed last year with glioblastoma, a malignant form of brain tumour.

Around 2,200 people in Britain are diagnosed with glioblastoma every year — only one in five survive for more than a year

She was originally told that she would only live until February, but a revolutionary private treatment helped to temporarily fight off the tumour.

The mother-of-two died after losing a number of family members to pancreatic cancer in the past year. Her husband, Dennis, died last October, while her brother Colin died in February.

The 52-year old was well-known as a fitness trainer to celebrities. Her clients over the years included Kelly Brook, Robbie Williams and Rachel Hunter.

Natalie Appleton, who was in the band All Saints, wrote in tribute to her close friend: “There aren’t enough words to express how much we will miss you.

“You were my rock, my inspiration, shoulder to cry on and always there when I needed you, you never failed to make us laugh.”

Mrs Waterman’s daughter Alex Thrussell said: “She was such an inspiration.

“She was just so positive and inspirational and beautiful, in and out. She was lovely. She was my best friend.

“I can’t believe one woman has made such a big Nicki Waterman Daughter Alex’s sweaty selfie impact on so many lives. I’m so proud she was my Mum.”

Mrs Waterman’s family have set up a foundation in her name and are aiming to raise money to fund cancer treatment.

A “Sweaty Selfie” campaign will encourage people to upload pictures of themselves after exercise sessions and make donations.

Money raised for The Nicki Waterman Foundation will be donated to the Brain Tumour Research charity.

Ms Thrussell explained: “Mum loved fitness and running and getting everyone training and being outdoors.”

Among those taking part in the campaign already have been former Spice Girl Mel C, actress Denise Van Outen and Ms Appleton’s sister, Nicole. When uploading the pictures, users are asked to tag at least five friends in and nominate them to take part. Sue Farrington Smith, Brain Tumour Research chief executive, said: “We are full of admiration for Nicki’s family who want to turn their tragic loss into something that will make a difference to those 16,000 people diagnosed with a brain tumour every year. “I know Nicki will be proud.”