An adored son and “kind soul”, known for his curly blond hair, blue eyes and “infectious smile”, who tragically passed away in November last year aged 27, will be honoured through a charity showing show next month.
The Ollie Nicholls Memorial Show has been organised by his mother, Christine Nicholls, and family in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity. With a broad spread of ridden and in-hand classes, with championships, plus supreme championship, the show has attracted plenty of support and sponsors.
There are many exciting prizes and raffle goodies on offer, including items from Your Horse, Horse and Hound, Premier Equine, Equidry and Feedmark, to name a few. Those looking to support the raffle can do so at the event or remotely.
The show will take place on Sunday 8 September at Broads Equestrian Centre in Barnby, Suffolk, with kind permission of Dee Mauree. The venue has been sponsored by Marion Whitewood, Ollie’s nanny. See the bottom of this report for entry details and ways you can support the show.
Always remembered
Ollie was a passionate skateboarder and even had a skate ramp at the yard, where he enjoyed spending time with the horses. The family has three horses, whom Ollie adored.
He was the youngest son, brother to Jordan, Gemma and Sammy Jo and uncle to Milo, Hugo, Bodhi and Sid. A scaffolder by trade, Ollie enjoyed his job and was hardworking, and was popular with many friends from his childhood and adult years.
He travelled the world with his parents visiting Australia, Hawaii, Thailand, Dubai, Barbados and many many more countries.
“Ollie lived the dream,” said his mother, Christine. “He packed so much in in his 27 years, more than most would in a lifetime.
At the unveiling of a skateboard memorial bench in Ollie’s memory
“Ollie was always a kind soul and always there to help anyone in their hour of need at the drop of a hat.
“He was a Kirkley boy through and through, living there since he was just over one and was known for his blond curly hair, blue eyes and infectious smile. He was loved by everyone who crossed his path.
“Ollie never left home. Home was his refuge and his happy place with his mum and dad and two dogs Rosie and Lola.”
A month before passing, Ollie’s parents and brother took him to his other happy place, Amsterdam. By this time, his health had deteriorated but he found the strength to go and visit as many coffee shops that they could fit in, he gave them many giggles on that trip, his mother shared.
“Ollie will always be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to be part of his life,” she added. “He was kind thoughtful and funny. One of those people that you will only ever meet once in a lifetime. That’s Ollie Nicholls! The golden child.”
The family purchased this pair as yearlings and Ollie loved spending time with them. He rode bay ‘Nutty Nathan’ for pleasure up until around 16
Christine enjoys affiliated dressage and showing and backed her horses herself.
“I had ponies as a child up until I met my husband and always knew I would get another when our children had grown up,” she said. “I ended up with my dream horse, a bay! I only ever had grey ponies and always hoped for a bay for Christmas as a child. Finally in 2009 my dream came true!”
How to take part
Those looking to support The Ollie Nicholls Memorial Show can do so via the following links:
- Schedule and show information here (page one) and here (page two).
- Download an entry form here. Riders can enter in advance or on the day.
- Find out how to purchase raffle tickets here and take a look at some of the prizes here. Alternatively email ollienichollsshowingshow@yahoo.com You do not have to attend the show to enter the raffle.
- Find out more about The Brain Tumour Charity.
