A WOMAN from Kinmel Bay who has suffered four strokes and “died twice” has said she refuses to “let anything beat me”.
Nikki Thomas, 50, had her first stroke at age 15, and her latest in 2021, and has also experienced 14 “mini-strokes”.
She has spoken out to “tell people who are disabled not to give up on their dreams,” having become a mum and worked as a model since her health issues began.
In addition, Nikki has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and cares for her mother, Janet, who has osteoarthritis and lives with her in Kinmel Bay.
Nikki said: “I just people who are disabled not to give up on their dreams. I'd love to go back to modelling, and I don't let anything beat me.
“I started modelling when I was 21, then started again after I had my 2 children. I modelled for Adidas, Luke, Inked Magazine… disabled people shouldn't give up because they have disabilities.
“I see so many people with disabilities who just give up on life. I had everything in life, and then that all ended at 15. I want to say to people I’m proof that you can still get on with your life.”
Nikki, who was also manager of the St Kentigern Hospice charity shop in Rhyl, had her first stroke while on work experience at a clothing store in Rhyl.
She was airlifted to hospital in Liverpool, spent 48 hours in intensive care, and suffered a blood clot on her brain.
A consultant called her a “medical mystery,” she said.
Nikki is also partly disabled down the left side of her body – she can’t use her left hand or feel her left foot – and “can have another massive stroke at any time”.
She added: “The air ambulance landed on Rhyl promenade and airlifted me to Glan Clwyd, where I died twice.
“Then, when I was well enough, I was airlifted to hospital in Liverpool. Doctors came from all different hospitals to see me.
“I was in hospital for seven months, learning to walk, talk, and feed myself. It was like being a baby.
“I see people out there suffering, and life is too short. I wake every morning and thank God I’m still breathing and get to spend another amazing day here.
“No matter your illness or disability, don't let anything stop you.”
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