"The perfect way to honour her memory": 24h danceathon to be held for Preston student from Great Eccleston

20-year-old Nicole Parker sadly passed away at her mum’s home in Great Eccleston after suffering a cardiac arrest two weeks before Christmas last year.

A keen performer, Nicole studied Peforming Arts at Preston College and was a dedicated member of the TramShed Theatre Company.

Two months on from her tragic passing, Nicole’s former college are hosting a special fundraising event in loving memory of the Lancaster born student, who was said to have lived “her life like a West End show, full of energy, laughter, and love”.

Students from Preston College Performing and Production Arts courses will be taking part in a 24-hour Danceathon to celebrate Nicole’s life and raise funds for the North Lancashire Down Syndrome Group, a cause close to her family.

The event is taking place from 10am on Thursday, February 12 , finishing at 10am on the Friday, February 13 in the Preston College Theatre.

The Danceathon will see students dancing continuously for 24 hours, through varied themes of music.

The entire event will also be live-streamed via the Preston College Facebook page, allowing the wider community to watch, support, and donate.

Sara Hartigan, curriculum leader for Performing and Production Arts at Preston College, said: “Nicole was a student on our Foundation Learning Performing Arts programme and was in her second year at Preston College. She was known for her wicked sense of humour and infectious smile. Nicole loved Performing Arts, particularly dance, where she showed a real and natural gift.

“She was a lively, friendly and much-loved member of her class, and her absence was always felt, even if she was away for just a single day. The loss of Nicole has been felt profoundly across her class and throughout the entire Performing Arts department.

“Students and staff wanted to come together to celebrate Nicole’s life in a way that truly reflected who she was and what she loved. We wanted to create an event she would have been buzzing about, and it quickly became clear that a dance-based event was the perfect way to honour her memory.

“Nicole was involved with several inclusive theatre and dance organisations in the local area, many of which are underfunded, and it felt important to continue that spirit of inclusion and support in her name. After speaking with Nicole’s family, they shared how much she loved attending Let’s Dance Lancaster, run by North Lancashire Down Syndrome Support Group, which felt like a natural and meaningful charity to support.

“Students and staff are incredibly excited for the event and feel proud to be able to make a positive difference while remembering and celebrating Nicole in a way she would have truly loved.”

The school adds that the event is both a tribute to a much-loved student and an opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for a local charity supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families across North Lancashire.

Donations are currently open and can be received online here.

So far nearly £500 has been raised, totalling a quarter of the £2000 fundriasing goal.

On the fundraising page, the event organisers said: “The North Lancashire Down Syndrome Family and Carer Group is a wonderful organisation that creates a supportive community for families and individuals affected by Down’s syndrome.

“Through various activities and resources, they help foster connections, provide information, and empower families.

“Our goal is to raise funds to help ensure that everyone can access the support and information they need.

“Every little contribution counts; thank you for your support!”