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Audio slideshow. Pictures
from the memorial service are by Barry Goodwin

By Sian Napier

snapier@thekmgroup.co.uk

Tributes from singer Robin Gibb and former Chancellor of the
Exchequer Alistair Darling were read at a memorial service for
Nicole Dryburgh, who died in May from a brain
haemorrhage.

Nicole, who was 21 and lived in Seasalter, fought cancer three
times after being diagnosed with a tumour on her spine when she was
11.

In her short life she wrote two books, received a Diana Award
and raised thousands of pounds for various charities. During the
course of her treatment she lost the use of her legs and went blind
and deaf.

Yesterday, a thanksgiving service took place in the Quire
of Canterbury Cathedral, attended by hundreds of people, many of
whom had known Nicole.

In her welcome Vice Dean Canon Clare Edwards said the service
gave the many people whose lives had been touched by Nicole in so
many ways the opportunity to give thanks.

Nicole’s five rules for life were read by her brother Lee and
her mother Jackie spoke about the time when Nicole had to make her
first speech after which she read one of her daughter’s poems
called Dancing Fairies.

Canterbury singer/guitarist Matthew Lombart sung I’ll Never Find
Another You. He organised a concert to help raise money for the
Teenage Cancer Trust, one
of Nicole’s causes.

Tessy Ojo, from the Diana Awards, told the congregation: “Nicole
was truly amazing. I knew her professionally and personally and met
her on a number of occasions. She had a passion for
fundraising and her huge courage and hopefulness to make the
most of every second inspired us all.”

She recounted her memories of Nicole and the day she launched
her fund to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust in April 2009
at 11 Downing Street, an event hosted by Maggie Darling, the wife
of the then Chancellor Alistair.

“Her speech was so moving she made everyone in the room cry,
including Mr Darling and his wife,” Ms Ojo said.

In his message Mr Darling said: “I remember Nicole arriving in
Downing Street with her entourage and she was in complete charge.
She was inspirational, the like of which I shall never see
again.”

In their message former Bee Gee Robin Gibb and his wife Dwina
said they would never forget her. Nicole met Mr Gibb at 11 Downing
Street when she received her Diana Award.

Pay your tributes to Nicole by clicking on the comment
tab below.