Remembering Nicky Newman: Amy Dowden pays tribute to her friend

Amy Dowden, the Welsh dancer known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, took to social media to pay tribute to her dear friend Nicky Newman, who tragically passed away at the age of 35. Nicky, an influencer and campaigner known online as knicknacklou, had been battling stage four breast cancer that had spread to her bones for the past five and a half years.

Amy, who has been very open about her own battle with cancer, was among the first to honor Nicky with a heartfelt post on Instagram. Sharing a poignant photo of Nicky, Amy wrote, “The most beautiful ray of sunshine who has done so much and created a community and legacy that will live on.”

Amy continued, “I hope you know all the help and awareness you have done and will always continue to do so. I remember when I found out I needed a port, your page was the one I turned to! I will forever cherish your lovely voice notes and will always think of you when I say Welsh Love.”

In a deeply moving post, Nicky’s husband shared a pre-written message from Nicky on their joint account. Her heartfelt words read, “If you’re reading this, it means I have died. I made it 5 & a half years though, not bad for a stage 4 breastie, ey? And none of this ‘She fought her battle nonsense,’ I didn’t lose anything, the cancer eventually took over & that’s okay, we all knew this would happen.”

Amy Dowden’s Cancer Battle

Amy, who recently turned 33, has been incredibly transparent about her own cancer journey. Earlier this year, she publicly shared her breast cancer diagnosis and has since been undergoing treatment. Most notably, she has completed four rounds of chemotherapy.

In a candid glimpse inside her ongoing treatment, Amy has spoken about her heartbreaking hair loss. She admitted that it has reduced her to tears multiple times. “I’m not going to lie… It’s really, really hard, and I think I cry less now. To begin with, it was like every day. But now, I have meltdowns when I wash my hair once a week,” she shared.

Amy’s husband, Ben Jones, has been a pillar of support for her during this challenging time. He has taken on the responsibility of brushing her hair and collecting the strands that fall out. “Ben brushes it for me – he gets rid of the hair that’s come out, so I’m not aware of it anymore,” she expressed.

Amy also revealed that she has stopped brushing her hair altogether, which has helped her cope with the hair loss. Since her hospitalization due to blood clots, she has refrained from brushing her hair herself because it was distressing to see how much was falling out.

Amy’s Determination and Resilience

Amy’s strength and determination have been evident throughout her cancer journey. Despite her ongoing treatment, she has continued to inspire and shine. Recently, she wowed everyone on the red carpet at the National Television Awards 2023.

Through it all, Amy has remained grateful for the unwavering support from her family, friends, and the online community. She expressed her deep appreciation for Nicky Newman and the legacy she has left behind. “Thank you for being utterly incredible and a TRUE INSPIRATION. I promise to grab life and deeply miss your radiance and positivity. Love to Mr. G, your family, friends, and the huge community you created online,” Amy concluded.

A Lasting Tribute

The loss of Nicky Newman is a poignant reminder of the impact individuals can have on the lives of others. Her legacy will continue to inspire and create a sense of community. Amy Dowden’s tribute to her dear friend showcases the bond they shared and the strength they both possess in their own battles against cancer. As the world mourns the loss of Nicky, we honor her memory and the lasting impact she has had.