Nikki's May in a Nutshell
Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ founder, Nikki, shares what she got up to this past month, including an incredible fundraiser, her very special trip to London for the King’s Coronation, visiting the National Memorial Arboretum with Scotty’s members and returning to Tidworth to reflect on her time with her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, who was killed in 2009.
Hello,
If you’ve been following Scotty’s at all over the last month, you might have heard about the incredible fundraiser that one of our members, Jack, is doing in honour of his dad, Fusilier Lee Rigby. He took part in Scotty’s May Marathon and had hoped raise 10k – £1000 for each year his since his dad’s death – but he’s totally smashed his goal and raised over 50k for Scotty’s. It’s such an incredible achievement. Jack has been through so much, but he wanted to do something positive at a difficult time of the year, in memory of his dad. I am so proud of him and love the fact that he has Scotty’s here to support him whenever he needs it. I’m honoured that Jack is raising funds for Scotty's to mark the anniversary of his dad's death and we’re all rooting for him. If you want to support Jack’s fundraiser in memory of his dad, you can donate here.
Nikki Scott
The King's Coronation
Last month I attended the King’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey, and what a brilliant, surreal experience it was! I felt so privileged to represent the bereaved Forces families Scotty’s support during such a historic moment. The day after the Coronation, I was invited to attend the Big Lunch at 10 Downing Street. I took Brooke and Tilly with me, and we had such a lovely time. The Prime Minster and his wife knew all about Scotty’s and had even requested we sit with them for lunch. It felt so good to chat to them about why the work we do is so important and it’s an experience I’ll absolutely never forget. What a weekend!
Nikki and her daughter, Brooke, with the PM and his wife
A Time to Reflect
More recently, myself and the Families Team from Scotty’s attended the ‘A Time to Reflect’ event at the National Memorial Arboretum, the nation’s year-round centre of remembrance. Scotty’s were there to offer support to any children and young people who attended the event and make sure their voice was heard. One of our Scotty Members read a poem during the service, and another lit a candle in memory of their loved one. It was a very moving event, and they did themselves, their families and all of Scotty’s proud. Naturally, my thoughts turned to Lee during the event, and I was able to spend some time by myself in the Royal Tank Regiment Garden, which I really appreciated. It’s such a peaceful, beautiful place.
Nikki and Mark at the National Memorial Arboretum
Returning to Tidworth
Speaking of Lee, some of the team and I went to Tidworth to spend a couple of days filming at Aliwal Barracks, which is the camp where Lee was based and where we lived as a family. It’s always hard returning there as it brings all kinds of memories and emotions to surface, both good and bad. Being back in Tidworth was always going to be emotional. Seeing our old home and remembering how our life used to be when Lee was alive was tough, but I’m also glad to have had the opportunity to go back. It allowed me space to remember and reflect, and I instantly felt close to Lee when I was back there.
Thanks for reading.
Nikki
Nikki with LCpl Thomas Howard (left) & LCpl Lindsay Kemlo (right) at Tidworth barracks
