Warwick’s Kerri Nicholls shares ultimate dream two years after horror terminal cancer diagnosis
One selfless Queensland woman’s final wish is to be with her beloved animals, two years after a horror terminal cancer diagnosis. Here’s how you can help.
Regional News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Regional News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Despite all the odds, Kerri Nicholls wakes up every day with a smile and spreads joy to those around her.
The Warwick resident has had a tough few years after a shock cancer diagnosis in 2022, but it won’t stop her doing what she loves.
Her best mate and fellow animal lover Michelle Dranfield said she was determined to make the Ms Nicholls’ dream come true.
“She is the type of person who will give everything and leave nothing for herself,” Ms Dranfield said about Ms Nicholls.
Ms Nicholls works in waste management and has spent almost a decade rescuing and rehabilitating animals in the Downs area.
The pair met when Ms Dranfield, who also runs a Fraser Coast based animal rescue charity called Happily Heifer After, connected with Ms Nicholls online.
“I wanted to give them a gift they can build memories with while they are still here with us,” Ms Dranfield said.
Ms Nicholls was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in 2022, and tragically after several tumours were removed, they showed back up and had sadly spread to her brain.
Despite constant pain and a horror diagnosis, Ms Dranfield says Ms Nicholls still smiles and still visits about once a month.
“Literally the only way I can describe her as is human sunshine, and everyone who meets her says the exact same thing,” Ms Dranfield said.
“She is the most positive and kind person, who thinks of everyone else and is the most amazing human.”
Ms Dranfield said the ultimate goal is to help get a vehicle to ensure Ms Nicholls can comfortably visit her beloved animals.
“She does not have the physical capabilities at the moment to look after the animals, and her animals are at mine and also a friend’s property,” Ms Dranfield said.
“Her dream is to spend as much time with her animals and the animals she has rescued, and we want to give her the opportunities for when she has a couple days off she can comfortably spend time with them.”
Ms Dranfield launched a GoFundMe a few weeks ago to help raise funds for a campervan so Ms Nicholls can visit her beloved furry friends.
It has since raised more than $1500 – but more is needed to help Ms Nicholls fulfil her dream and spend her time with the animals.
The diagnosis has caused Ms Dranfield and the people around her to change their way of thinking.
“It changed our perspective on life and death and the fact tomorrow is not guaranteed,” she said.
“She lives every day to the fullest and has inspired others to do it to is quite amazing.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe for Ms Nicholls here.
The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
Who are the power players? What are the deals? Qld’s minor parties explained
Queensland’s state election is set to be far more complex than a battle between Labor and the LNP. Meet the ‘minor parties’ making big moves.
‘World class’: Southern Qld outshines state’s iconic tourist destinations
The rise and fall of Queensland’s tourism industry has benefited some regions more than others, and travellers have turned their attention to the countryside. See why tourists are leaving the city lights behind here.