Family of dad diagnosed with rare cancer to host Easter fun day to raise money

The family of a Salford dad diagnosed with a rare form of cancer is hosting an Easter fun day to raise money for The Christie Hospital.

Salford-born Nikki Smallwood was diagnosed with an ultra-rare form of lymphoma in December 2022, and has spent the past few months in the Christie Hospital.

Nikki, dad to Harvey, 11, and step-dad to Braydon, 6, started to feel unwell whilst he was loading his Amazon delivery van.

His partner, Sharne Wilkinson, explained: “He felt so woozy and sick that the guys around him said ‘You need to go to A and E’.

“It took such a long time to diagnose him because it’s really rare.

Nikki Smallwood at the Christies Hospital. Image taken and given permission to use by Sharne Wilkinson. Salford family to host Easter fun day. — Nikki Smallwood at the Christies Hospital.
Image taken and given permission to use by Sharne Wilkinson.
Salford family to host Easter fun day.

“With lymphoma, your lymph nodes are usually swollen, but he had no lumps at all.

“The other people they’ve got studies on are 60 and 70; he’s only 40. They haven’t got any real evidence; there’s no real case studies.”

Nikki pictured with family in hospital. Image taken and given permission to use by Sharne Wilkinson. Salford family to host Easter fun day. — Nikki pictured with family in hospital.
Image taken and given permission

The Easter event will take place at the Pendlebury Social Club on April 4 from 1-4pm, with proceeds raised being donated to both Nikki’s recovery and The Christie cancer charity.

Ahead of the event, family and friends have also been hosting raffles via social media, where they are actively appealing for Easter eggs, sweets and any other raffle prizes that people are able to donate.

They plan to host a ‘teddy tombola’ on the day, and so are also asking for teddies to help accommodate this.

The upcoming Easter event also features a bouncy castle and multiple stalls, including a ‘Prime’ stand and a ‘beat the goalie’ pop-up game.

Multiple local brands, including M&G Chocolate and Gift Creations and Lillis Bowtique are also bringing their goods to the event.

Nikki's partner Sharne and their sons at the Christie's 'Night of Neon' event Image taken and given permission to use by Sharne Wilkinson Salford family to host Easter fun day. — Nikki’s partner Sharne and their sons at the Christie’s ‘Night of Neon’ event
Image taken and given permission to use by Sharne Wilkinson
Salford family to host Easter fun day.

Previously, the large community of supporters for the Salfordian, dubbed ‘Team Nikki’, took part in the Christies’ infamous ‘Night of Neon’ 5k walk on the Salford Quays, being the largest team the charity had ever seen take part in a singular event.

From the walk alone, the team raised more than £4,500, making it to the top 5% of fundraisers.

As the event draws closer, ‘Team Nikki’ have been working harder than ever to raise as much money as possible to support both Nikki and Christie.

The end goal is to spread awareness, raise funding, and help support Nikki in overcoming his cancer battle.

As well as confectionery prizes, the team are also appealing for any raffle prizes that are family orientated, including any businesses who wish to donate days out.

Nikki and his family. Image taken and given permission to use by Sharne Wilkinson Salford family to host Easter fun day. — Nikki and his family.
Image taken and given permission to use by Sharne Wilkinson
Salford family to host Easter fun day.

Sharne commented: “We are looking for any support from local businesses that we can raffle off on our big raffle on the fun day.

“Any prizes that local families will love will be massively appreciated, whether that be a day out for a family, a hamper of Easter goodies, time in a play centre, or anything that would save a family a lot of money.”