Help Nicki Willetts defy the odds

$27,875 donated

Given by 171 generous donors in 9 days

Help surround Team Willetts with love, hope and practical support as Nicki fights for more precious time with her family.

Christchurch, Canterbury

Cancer has touched many of us in some way, and we know the worry and heartbreak this disease can bring. Many of us understand how precious time, memories, and moments with loved ones truly are.

Today, we are asking for your help to make that possible for Team Willetts: Nicki, Tim, Taylor, Sam, Jessica and Jackson.

At just 46, Nicki with her hubby Tim, and their beautiful children are facing something no family should have to endure. Nicki has been diagnosed with Chloangiocarcinoma - a rare terminal cancer of the bile ducts in her liver. Without effective treatment, she has been given months to live. To give Nicki as much time as possible, her treatment plan involves navigating complex options, combining chemotherapy alongside advanced targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are not publicly funded.

Team Willetts give so much of their time to the wider community, especially through sport, church, and school connections. Now it is our turn to support them. In difficult times, many of us want to help but do not always know where to start. Your support can help ease some of the financial pressure, giving Nicki and Tim space to focus on the road ahead. Nicki is positive, courageous, and resilient, and she has never been one to shy away from a challenge. We stand with her, Tim and their family in hope and support as she fights to defy the odds.

Any donation, no matter the size, will help give Nicki something incredibly precious: more time with her family.

Tracy Clough's involvement (page creator)

We've had the pleasure of knowing Nicki and Tiny since the early Colts rugby days with Marist Albion. Back then we were all young, childless and carefree - and we've been lifelong friends ever since!

Use of funds

Every dollar raised will go directly to Nicki and Tim to choose how to spend. Contributions may help with unfunded treatment (page updates will be provided when we know more about treatment options), travel, everyday living costs, a holiday, or special family moments that bring hope, comfort, respite, and precious memories.

Other page links

The Crusade begins… 6 September 2026

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated. Nicki and Tim were initially hesitant about us creating this page, but the incredible support and generosity received have shown them they are not facing this crusade alone.

In Nicki’s words, paraphrased: “We feel so grateful, a bit emotional, and very much loved. The money will be a massive help. It has also been an incredible way to connect with friends, actually completely overwhelming, but in a good way. Knowing we have this kind of support behind us as I start treatment means more than I can say”.

Nicki started her first round of chemotherapy on Friday, which also included immunotherapy. Both treatments were given intravenously. Her first session went smoothly, and she praised the amazing staff at St Georges who made sure she was comfortable and well taken care of, as was Tim! So far, the side-effects have been managed with other medication, and whilst she is tired, she is otherwise doing well, and staying positive.

If you are able to contribute, every donation, message of encouragement, or share of this page will make a real difference and help Nicki and Tim feel the strength of the team behind them.

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