Widow Nikki Raises Over £10,000 for Firefighter Charity in Tribute to Late Husband
When Nikki Haxton-Jones’ husband Danny suddenly died at work in 2017, she made a vow: to raise money for the charity that supports firefighters and their families. Now, five years on, the 41-year-old mum-of-two has raised tens of thousands of pounds through an endless string of fundraising events.
From Cricket Matches to Glam Balls – Nikki’s Fundraising Marathon
Danny, 37, was a proud London Fire Brigade firefighter who loved taking part in charity events. Nikki, who now works in Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s control room, has carried on his legacy with gusto.
- Ladder climbs
- Vitality 10K runs
- Charity cricket matches
- Bucket collections at football matches
- Glamorous fundraising balls
In October 2022, Nikki pulled off a glittering ball that raised over £10,000—all thanks to her hard work and support from colleagues and friends.
Personal Tragedy Drives Passionate Fundraising
“Danny passed away suddenly while on station. He collapsed behind a locked door while getting changed. It was so unexpected—we later found out he had pneumonia in both lungs that triggered an arrhythmia,” Nikki revealed.
Her husband’s firefighter colleagues did CPR, a traumatic experience for them all. Nikki takes comfort knowing they did everything they could.
Since Danny’s passing, Nikki and their children Olivia, 15, and Harry, 12, have used fundraising events as a way to remember him and cope with grief. She encourages her kids to openly talk about their dad, turning hardship into positivity through shared experiences.
Support for Firefighter Families Close to Nikki’s Heart
Nikki emphasizes the vital support the charity has already provided her family and Danny’s comrades. She’s even considered a respite stay at one of their centres to help her children heal.
“It’s a huge reassurance knowing we can reach out in the future. Bereavement charities are so overwhelmed, so having this support means the world,” she said.
Her fundraising continues this year with the Vitality 10K and the Great North Run. She adds:
“Fundraising is fun no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a bake sale or a non-uniform day, it brings people together and helps the charity continue their vital work.”
Thanks to Nikki’s unstoppable spirit, hundreds of firefighters and their families will continue getting the support they need—just as she vowed to make sure her late husband’s legacy lives on.
