Nicola Maull has lived in Newton Aycliffe all her life attending Vane Road School then Woodham Comprehensive School. She now lives in School Aycliffe with her partner Steve and 10 year old son Niall. She is 44 years old and previously ran her own business in Yarm hiring prom dresses until she became seriously ill. Nicola has a rare auto immune condition that attacks the central nervous system and spinal cord. The treatments are plasma exchanges, steroids and chemotherapy. Nicola has not responded to these treatments and inflammation of the nervous system has caused brain stem swelling and respiratory problems. Relapses happen any time and are unpredictable, and can lead to further disablement and paralysis which has happened to Nicola There is still no known cure and the cause of onset is also unknown. Friend Lisa Morrison wanted to help so she contacted Andy Lee, a local DJ/music producer to discuss organising an event to raise funds to help Nicola and her family. As they both have contacts in the music industry, they were confident in gaining support to make it happen and have received help from local businesses who have sponsored the event to cover advertising costs, hire of sound system and lighting etc. Business sponsors are: Ross Wright, Topstar Taxis, Crossfit All Out, Here, There and Everywhere, Perfection by Laura, Autoglaze, Convertmyvan. com, PJ Plastering, Workshop Supplies, Support Store, Andrews Landscapes, Pavs Munchies. The Charity Night is at Planet Leisure on Saturday November 19th – 7pm to 1am. Tickets £5 from Planet Leisure or £6 at the door.
Niall Irwin (9) welcomes home mum Nicola Maull who has spent a year in hospital at Newcastle. Pictured at their family home on Cyprus Grove in Newton Aycliffe. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH
Nicola with her son Niall
