A big-hearted north-east woman has lost her fight with cancer just days before she was due to take part in an event to raise money for people afflicted with the disease.
Nadia Cruickshank, aged 27, died 14 months after being diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma – the most aggressive form of brain tumour.
The office worker and former hairdresser had been due to take part in the Friends of Anchor Courage on the Catwalk this weekend alongside other brave women who have been affected by the illness.
Models had been rehearsing their moves ahead of the Beach Ballroom show, but cruelly, Miss Cruickshank died at Roxburghe House before she could take part.
Nadia’s parents Austin and Helen last night said their daughter’s sense of humour and kind nature touched so many people.
And they said she doted on her nephews, six-year-old Alex and Michael, four, as well as her German Shepherd, Belle.
Mr Cruickshank said: “Her passion was making people laugh. She loved life. She was a character. Even to the end she was joking. She would light up a room. People would just love her enthusiasm.
“We’ve read a lot of the comments on Facebook. She made a big impression on a lot of people.
“When she was diagnosed she just accepted that was her lot and she wanted to make the most of it. She made a bucket list and did a hell of a lot.”
Born and raised in Aberdeen, Nadia went to St Peter’s School before moving up to Old Machar Academy.
She then trained and worked as a hairdresser, before settling into an office role with telecoms firm Harris CapRock.
She had settled down with boyfriend Ross Milne, who she had been with for around two-and-a-half years.
Her mum added: “She loved her shopping, boy could she shop. She was quite arty and crafty as well. Even when she was ill she was signing up to nail courses and things like that.
“She had a big heart and was always putting other people first. She always wanted people to feel comfortable, even if it was at her own expense.”
Sadly for Nadia’s family, this isn’t the first time cancer has affected them.
Her brother Kristoffer had lymphatic cancer when he was 20 and recovered, but her grandfather Mick died from a tumour in 2012 aged 76.
Nadia ran Race For Life in his memory, and also raised almost £15,000 for MacMillan after her own diagnosis by doing Brave The Shave.
In her final months, Nadia set about travelling the world.
She jetted off to London with her boyfriend, New York with her parents, Greece with her boyfriend and his family, Norway to see her brother Kristoffer, his wife Aileen and nephews Alex and Michael, Italy with her mum, Disneyland Florida and Thailand with Ross.
She had been due to go to Norway one last time to say goodbye to her brother and nephews, but was sadly too ill.
She died on Wednesday, surrounded by those who loved her.
Last night James Milne, Friends of ANCHOR chairman, paid tribute to the young woman and said the 23 other brave women taking part in the fundraiser would “shine”
He said: “Cancer took Nadia’s life far too early. It’s hearing of heart breaking stories like these that gives us the added drive and determination to raise funds to beat this terrible disease and come alongside those fighting cancer with the support that’s needed within the hospital.
“Although Nadia sadly never got the chance to shine on the catwalk, her 23 fellow models will be shining for Nadia when they take to stage at the weekend to celebrate what unifies each one of them – their inspiring and unwavering courage in the face of cancer.”
Requiem mass will be held at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Woodside on Thursday at 11.30am, with a cremation held at Aberdeen Crematorium, Hazlehead, afterwards.
