Cancer campaigner and Instagram star Nicky Newman – known to many as Nicknacklou – has died, with the news announced in a heartbreaking post penned by Nicky herself.
The inspirational 35-year-old had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer five and a half years ago, which had spread to her bones.
Her messaging on social media always encouraged people to ‘go grab life’ (as well as to ‘check your tattas’), drawing in a huge following of almost a quarter of a million followers.
But tragically, the young woman has died, just 10 days after she announced that she was stopping treatment.
In a gut-wrenching post that she left for her loved ones to post, Nicky – better known to her online family as NickNackLou – wrote: “If you’re reading this it means I have died, I made it 5 & half years though, not bad for a stage 4 breastie ey.
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“And none of this ‘she fought her battle nonsense’, I didn’t lose anything, the cancer eventually took over & that’s okay, we all knew this would happen.
“I don’t think we are ever prepared to hear the words, we think we are indestructible & a magic cure will appear, but the truth is we all live this life day to day (we just knew our days are shorter).
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“So please promise me to cherish those around you and give your friends and loved ones the biggest squeezes! GO GRAB LIFE! You never truly know what is coming around the corner – so don’t take anything for granted.
“You have all become a part of my legacy, my “Instagramily” in MR.G’s words and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being here every step of the way. There is more to come (with some amazing things in the works) that will aim to continue that legacy, so stick around and keep being the amazing bootiful hoomans you all already are!
“I’m a believer in energies and if people hold on to the positive energy we have created from this and other pages like it, then I will always be with you.
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“Mr.G has some words to follow as we both wanted to do this part together. Love you all my bootiful hoomans!”
Nicky was first diagnosed several years ago while in the midst of fertility treatment with her husband, when she noticed a change in her breast and complained of severe back pain.
Nicky Newman, aka Nicknacklou, has died at the age of 35. Credit: Instagram, @nicknacklouNicky Newman, aka Nicknacklou, has died at the age of 35
Within a week, she had tragically miscarried and been diagnosed with incurable metastatic breast cancer.
Ever since then, she’s loudly shouted about the need to celebrate life and supported some brilliant businesses and charities, like Lounge underwear and Women’s Best.
She also inspired hundreds of people to get lightning bolt tattoos – a unifying symbol that she said reminded her to grab life.
In the last year alone, Nicky was able to see her sister get married, travel to Tenerife and Finland, and made one last trip to Disneyland, which she called her ‘second home’.
Tributes are pouring in already, with Lauren Mahon – co-host of the You Me and the Big C podcast with the late Dame Deborah James – writing: “Ah our Nicky. Our little lightening bolt. I knew as soon as the sky lit up last night. Never seen such an electric storm in the UK it’s could only have been you. Lighting up the planet like you have done from the minute you entered our lives. I truly truly love you and already miss the fizzy ball of joy that YOU are and forever will be. Thank you. I love you.”
Rest in peace Nicky.
Featured image: Instagram, @nicknacklou
News
UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Featured Image – Northern
News
Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
18th September 2023 
