Book of condolences - Nicky-Jane Kerr-Gilbert

I didn't have long to get to know you but I really appreciated the wisdom and advice you gave me on starting at NIoE. I wish I had been able to get to know you better. My fondest memory of you is sitting in the sunshine outside the Pavilion eating lunch together and not talking about work but of our children who were of similar ages - their hopes and dreams. I am sure your lovely daughters will make you proud in all their achievements.

Posted by Lizzie Greeley, 30 Jul 2021

Nicky-Jane a true friend and work colleague. Will remember you always. Love to Richard, Jamie-Leigh, Billie-Jo and all your family. God Bless you all XX

Posted by Elaine Worrall, 17 Jun 2021

Nicky-Jane was my mentor during my School Direct Primary training and ironically also taught my wife some 20 years or so ago.

I couldn’t have wished for a more supportive, insightful and empathetic mentor. She was always honest and pragmatic with her thoughts and always had my interests at heart.
On a personal note, my mother was undergoing treatment for secondary breast cancer at the time of my training and she was incredibly supportive with this - little did I know that she was going through the same as my mother was, at that time.

For everything you taught me, I thank you and I know your family would have been proud 🙏.

Posted by Wayne Sellers, 02 Jun 2021

I cannot put into words how incredibly lucky I feel to have known Nicky-Jane. Her advice, support and caring personality will stick with me forever, because without her, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today. Nicky-Jane knew her trainees inside out and took that extra bit of time to really get to know them and to support them in a way that was completely individual to them. An amazing lecturer, role model and a truly inspirational woman. I will forever remember the things she has taught me. My thoughts are with Nicky-Jane’s family and friends xx

Posted by April Blaxley, 30 May 2021

Nicky - Jane was so kind, full of knowledge, inspiring and always ready to talk me through the stresses of uni despite her own pressures and work load. A constant smiling face and open door. I gained so much from our long conversations when she was my mentor in third year. Her advice, encouragement and “pushing” me to step out definitely helped shape me into the teacher I am today. Her fantastic teaching created a ripple effect which is changing the lives of children all over the country.
Thank you Nicky-Jane.

Posted by Abi Collins, 28 May 2021

I was lucky enough to have Nicky-Jane as a tutor at Nottingham Trent University on the BA Hons Primary Education course. Her support, understanding and inspirational personality got me through my final year. I would often enter meetings in a stressed panic. Nicky-Jane would always smile and present me with a box of tissues and always find a way to help and support me though a really challenging year. She would always make me think of the positives and end the meeting on a high. I remember walking out thinking , ‘I'll be like her one day - strong - determined and confident’. When I graduated and got my first teaching post I received a card from Nicky-Jane that I have treasured in my scrap book. Her, ‘I’m so proud of you’ meant so much from such an inspirational mentor. When I look back she truly instilled the determination in me to become what I have.
I thank her so much for everything she did for me.
What a true shining star.
Thinking of all her family at this difficult time
X

Posted by Laura Emery, 27 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was my personal tutor for 4 years and gave me so much support and encouragement. She helped me so much with my interview and helped me land my first teaching position. All of the top tips Nicky-Jane gave me I use in my practice still.
She gave the lectures I'd most look forward to as Nicky-Jane was straight to the point and only gave helpful information.
She sent a card to my place of work after I'd been there for a year telling me how proud she was of me - I still have this and the mug she gave me for passing my degree.
She was such an inspiration to myself and so many others and I will miss her lots.

Posted by Natasha Hanson, 25 May 2021

Nicky Jane was the person who interviewed me and gave me my position at Trent. Without her I would not be the person I am today.. she will be missed xx

Posted by Fay Baldwin, 25 May 2021

Nicky Jane was a tireless, hardworking person and a role-model for many staff and students. She strived to assist each and every person to be the best they could be and more than certainly achieved it. She will be sorely missed by many students and members of staff at NTU, as this book alone shows. My thoughts and condolences for Nicky Jane's friends and family during this difficult time.

Posted by Bex Maher, 25 May 2021

I met Nicky-Jane on a course a few years ago. And it was immediately clear to me what a special person she was - charismatic, gentle and true to herself and others around her. She will be missed by so many. Heartfelt wishes to her family, whom she was so very proud of.

Posted by Jo Hartley, 25 May 2021

I will always look back on Nicky-Jane's lectures with fondness. She inspired me from the very start and her attitude to providing rich and valuable learning experiences shone through. Nicky-Jane had high expectations and standards and ensured we maintained them throughout under her strong guidance and no nonsense approach. She had a great sense of humour and could command a room with her presence, making sure everyone shared her enthusiasm and passion for teaching. She was certainly someone to admire and look up to and I am grateful to have been one of her students.

Posted by Sarah Jane Bottrell, 25 May 2021

Nicky-Jane will forever be one of the most inspirational people that I’ve ever met. She went above and beyond to provide support and advice for all of her students when they needed it. Her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to her job was incredible. I owe her all the thanks in the world for making me the teacher I am today. My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time, particularly her daughters. She spoke of you both with such warmth and pride.

Posted by N Bell, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was such a dynamic, positive ball of energy and passion; fiercely committed to her students and passionate about changing lives. I have a lasting memory of her switching from serious academic to doting mum, popping on her trainers after a seminar to run to her car, so she wouldn't be late to pick up her girls! She'll be much missed x

Posted by Sarah Johnson, 24 May 2021

Nicky Jane battled health for such a long time with such resilience. Such a role model for all the students who had the privilege of being taught by her and the staff who had the honour of working with an amazing professional. My thoughts are with her family and her amazing children. The time they had with her was so valuable and they will miss her very much but she prepared them well for their future lives. I know they will grow up 'strong'.

Posted by Judith Lee, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane interviewed me for my place on the Primary Education course at NTU and little did I know at the time that I was in the presence of one of THE most awe-inspiring women I'd ever meet and learn from - a truly stunning and
extraordinarily talented individual who I will always remember and have the utmost respect for.

Posted by Laura Jones, 24 May 2021

To Nicky-Jane's family, I know you will know better than any of us how amazing she was. But you still need to hear that the rest of us were lucky enough to know that too. Nicky-Jane lit up the room when she taught, she made learning wonderful for her students, (they were staff when I worked with her on the PGCAP programme), and she made them have fun but learn. A role-model, an academic, all those things, but a wonderful, talented, caring, thoughtful, beautiful woman most of all. I loved spending time with her and am so glad I got to do so for a while here and there. The world is better for having had her in it. I am sorry for your loss, but hope the knowledge that she was so loved brings you some comfort.

Posted by Melanie Pope, 24 May 2021

I remember her smile, positivity and generosity. Nicky-Jane was a great listener. My thoughts are with you as her family and her friends.

Posted by Karin Garrie, 24 May 2021

I was lucky enough to be tutored at NTU on the BA honours Primary Education course by Nicky-Jane within 2010-2014 of my degree.
She was always welcoming and so so supportive, she offered all the help and guidance I needed to complete my training to be a teacher and her inspiration has enabled me to still love the job I do as a teacher today 11 years on!
I remember her warmth, her smile and thank her for all the time she gave to me.
What a wonderful lady.
Rest in Peace Nicky-Jane

Posted by Sarah Malley (was Bowes), 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane will always be one of the most inspirational people I have come across. I learnt so much from her whilst studying at NTU and she continues to play a huge part in my everyday teaching practise. She was always so full of energy, passion and enthusiasm. It was evident in every single one of the lectures that she was born to teach. Nicky-Jane had such a full heart for each of her students. She was always there with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. My thoughts are with all of her family, particular her two daughters, who she always spoke of with total adoration and pride.

Posted by Nicola Gadsdon, 24 May 2021

I don’t even know how to put into words how much I appreciate everything Nicky Jane did for me during my four years at university and anytime I needed her after I left. She wasn’t just a lecturer she was more like a mum and as she said she will always be our Unimum and I couldn’t have picked someone better if I tried! She was always there picking me up on the down days, a shoulder to cry on and celebrate the successes, her smile on the day I graduated will be one I never forget. She taught me everything I needed to know and more. I wouldn’t be standing in front of my class 3 years down the line if it wasn’t for her, she definitely taught me not to give up. She will always be in my hall of fame! Nicky Jane, you are an absolute inspiration to us all! An amazing lady, teacher, lecturer and friend. You will be so missed. Fly high Nicky Jane. Rest in eternal peace! Xx

Posted by Megan Reeve, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was an amazing woman. She helped me through some challenging times and had all the time in the world for anyone. She pushed me to achieve my potential and would never let me give in. I owe a lot to Nicky-Jane and I will never forget the work and compassion she showed. She will be sorely missed by everyone she helped along the journey in their career. I would not be the teacher I am today without her.

Thank you Nicky-Jane

Keep roaring up there!

Posted by Catherine Ward, 24 May 2021

Without the help and support of Nicky-Jane, I would not have been able to re-sit my second year at university. Nicky-Jane was an inspiration and whenever I teach English on placement I always think of her and the technique’s we were taught. Nicky-Jane was an empowering character and still is an inspiration. Fly high Nicky-Jane, you’ll be missed by everyone at NTU. Xxx

Posted by Charlotte Brookes, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was the person who remembered you with warmth and genuine interest, however long it was since you had last seen her. I remember her at University all those years ago, bumping into her unexpectedly at a hotel near Legoland and more recently at conferences. A person with the utmost positivity and passion for life and learning who put others first. A beautifully bright light. x

Posted by Mike Follen, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane you were such an inspiration, you were much loved by your students and colleagues. It was such a pleasure to work with you. Thank you for teaching us all the importance of life.

Posted by Brendan Coulson, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was an inspiration and I am honoured to have been taught by her. Her passion for English and education was infectious and I often felt the urge to stand and applaud after her lectures.

Nicky-Jane offered me amazing advice in some of my lowest moments at Trent and I don't think I would be where I am without her.

She will be truly missed and my thoughts are with her family xx

Posted by Claire Vasey, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was my tutor for my first 2-3 years at Uni. She was there for me through everything and motivated and encouraged me to stick it out and carry on when things got really tough. Always there when I needed a chat or a shoulder to cry on, nothing was too much trouble. I would not be the teacher I am today without her support and guidance. A truly, amazing lady that will be very sadly missed!

Posted by Paige Collins, 24 May 2021

I will always remember Nicky Jane any time I am in the classroom. There are a countless amount of things which I have learnt from her and she will definitely be missed. Her smile was so contagious and her passion for teaching was one that ignites other's enthusiasm too. May her beautiful soul rest in peace and my condolences to her family.

Posted by Kajal Chotai, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was always, and continues to be, a source of inspiration. I hold fond memories of my time at Trent and many of them are because of Nicky-Jane‘s influence. I will always be thankful to her for sorting my final placement after I experienced unforeseen, difficult circumstances. That placement ended up being the defining moment of my training and led me to where I am now. My sincere condolences to her loved ones.

Posted by Ryan Brown, 24 May 2021

Our sincere condolences to Nicky-Jane's family, friends and colleagues at NTU. She was an inspiration and incredible support to me as a school student co-ordinator and mentor and the impact she has had on the students and staff who have worked with her is immeasurable. She leaves a legacy that will be passed on through current and future teachers to their students and colleagues. Thank you for everything Nicky-Jane.

Posted by Deb Taylor - Farnsfield St Michael's Primary School, 24 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was a true inspiration to us all and kept us going through 4 years of uni. She always had our best interests at heart and will be sadly missed by everyone xx

Posted by Lauren Brooker, 24 May 2021

I will always remember how welcoming and kind Nicky-Jane was to me when I first joined NTU 3 years ago. She helped me get to grips with my role and always went out of her way to make sure that I was comfortable and ok – she never had to do this, but she chose to, which I will never forget. When I first worked with Nicky-Jane, I had never worked with anyone like her and was always so in awe of her. Nicky-Jane, I feel so privileged to have worked with such a strong and incredible woman like you, you have inspired so many and your passion and kindness will live on in all of us. X x x

Posted by Rebecca Elliott, 24 May 2021

I loved having Nicky-Jane as our 4th year placement lead. Despite the stresses of uni, her lectures always left me feeling energised and ready to take on the challenges. She was a truly inspiring woman. Much love to her family and those closest to her xxx

Posted by Hannah Shore, 24 May 2021

I had the pleasure of meeting Nick-Jane briefly, as a remarkable person who was thoughtful, engaging and had a warm soul....my deepest condolences to family and friends, and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time Xx

Posted by Zena Rashid, 24 May 2021

I am so sad to hear the news of Nicky-Jane’s passing. She was bright, warm, kind and funny but most of all to me she was my “uni-mum” and helped to get me through 4 years at NTU. She was there for me when I wanted to give up, and she showed that she believed in me and pushed me to carry on. I am and will be forever grateful for her, she is one of my biggest inspirations. I send my love to her girls, who she always spoke so fondly of, and the rest of her family and friends. I hope that these messages of condolence can bring them some comfort at this awful time. Thank you Nicky-Jane xxx

Posted by Lauren Sellers, 24 May 2021

Thinking of you Nicky-Jane. Much love to your girls and family X

Posted by John Carroll, 24 May 2021

When Nicky-Jane joined the University, I had the pleasure of working with her on some ideas and projects. I particularly loved how she embraced new ideas with such enthusiasm and then took them further as an innovative thinker. She is a sad loss to her colleagues here and to the wider academic community.

Posted by Linda Adcock, 24 May 2021

I am so saddened to hear of Nicky-Jane's passing - the world has lost a truly remarkable individual. I will always remember her for her wonderful ability to see humour in everything. My thoughts are with the family at this sad time x

Posted by Tina Byrom, 24 May 2021

Such a beautiful woman, inside and out. x

Posted by Dawn Farmer, 24 May 2021

I only met Nicky-Jane a few times but she was such a lovely woman who was passionate about her work. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time.

Posted by Laura Stinson, 24 May 2021

Just because Nicky is gone, does not mean she is not still here. She will live on in the hearts and minds of all those that she touched. In particular, her family.

Posted by Ruth Richards, 24 May 2021

It is a pleasure to have met such an outstanding, passionate and talented woman. I truly hung on to every word you told me, thank you for having such an impact.

Posted by Lorren Brennan, 23 May 2021

One of life's rare gems who will be sorely missed by all for her wisdom, compassion and fearlessness. Love and energy to Richard, her girls and all her family

Posted by Dr Sheine Peart, 22 May 2021

I had the joy of calling Nicky-Jane a colleague and a friend. I first got to know her, as we taught on the PGCAP together. She was such an inspiration and cemented my own belief in collaborative education. Two very different approaches, coming together, we had great fun dreaming up new adventures for our PGCAPers. Have you ever seen staff on a competitive class treasure hunt? She has left an indelible mark upon me and my thinking. There are not many people who you can have a genuinely inspiring and sustained conversation about pedagogic practice. Nicky-Jane was one of them. So much energy and positivity to share – turning up to teach having already run a 10K and still having the energy to show me some dance moves in the break. On a personal note, I truly love Nicky-Jane for getting me in to jive dancing! But I also loved the incredible pride she had for her two girls, always a story to tell, and the generosity to take the time to pay attention to what was going on in your life too. She’s the only person I know who could organise her own living-wake and still make it feel like a party. She was such an incredible role model, friend and generous spirit. Some people shine, and Nicky-Jane will shine on. Much love to Rich and the girls xxx

Posted by Dr Kerry Gough, 21 May 2021

Nicky-Jane was a friend and a colleague who is going to leave a very big hole in my life, both personally and professionally. She was warm, funny, caring, passionate, kind and always put others first, however busy she was.
Her passion for reading and English in general, was only outweighed by the love for her girls and my heart goes out to Jamie-Lee and Billie-Jo for their terrible loss.
My thoughts are also for Rich who has shown amazing courage and love over the last 2 years.
Sending love and hugs xxxx

Posted by Suzanne Gomersall, 21 May 2021

Nicky-Jane, you will be remembered always and thought of often, you were beautiful both inside and out. My deepest sympathy to all of your family, but especially your curly haired KG girls and Richard. Rest in peace XXX

Posted by Deborah Bancroft-Hall, 21 May 2021

Your passion lives on through colleagues and students whose lives you touched. I feel so privileged to have worked with you. Fly high Nicky-Jane. x

Posted by Lee Reynolds, 21 May 2021

My deepest sympathies to the family.

Posted by Maria Karanika-Murray, 21 May 2021