A 33-YEAR-old died on Christmas Day following surgery for a debilitating bowel condition – days after posting on Facebook that there would be “many more to come”.
Nicholas Wade, who suffered from ulcerative colitis, had gone in for an eight-hour operation to remove his large bowel on December 19.
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The amateur footballer, from Bradford, West Yorks, was desperate to be discharged in time for Christmas so he could spend it with his family.
On December 20, he posted on Facebook saying: “Starting the long road to recovery now and new lease of life, my stoma nurse is quietly confident she can get me home for Christmas if everything goes well.
“But if it doesn’t it’s not the end of the world. They will be many more Christmas’ now in the future.”
He also thanked his “stunning” girlfriend Charlotte for being with him “every step of the way”, adding “love you babe”.
Home for Christmas
Nicholas was delighted to be discharged and sent home on Christmas Eve.
But the next day he suddenly collapsed and was sadly pronounced dead at his home.
Just hours earlier, the building worker posted on social media saying: “I had the best present ever being able to be at home so I can celebrate it with my family.
“Never take anything for granted and make sure you have the best day with your families… a thought going out to everyone having Christmas without family members and loved one.”
I had the best present ever being able to be at home so I can celebrate it with my family
Nicholas Wade
The Arsenal fan regularly posted on Facebook about ulcerative colitis, which is a long-term condition that results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum.
Primary symptoms of the condition include abdominal pain and diarrhoea mixed with blood, while weight loss, fever, and anaemia may also occur.
His cause of death is not yet known and his family are currently awaiting the results of a post-mortem.
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Nicholas was a keen footballer and played as a central defender for amateur side Wyke Wanderers FC since he was a boy.
The club cancelled a post-Christmas fixture after hearing the news and instead gathered to celebrate his life.
Wyke Wanderers club secretary David Ryan, whose cousin is Nicholas’ mum, described his friend as a “gentle giant”.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition, where the colon (the bowel) and rectum become inflamed.
It affects around one in every 420 people living in the UK.
Small ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining, and can bleed and produce pus.
Symptoms include recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pus, abdominal pain and needing to empty your bowels frequently.
People may also experience fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Ulcerative colitis is thought to be an autoimmune condition which means the immune system – the body’s defence against infection – goes wrong and attacks healthy tissue.
The most popular theory is that the immune system mistakes harmless bacteria inside the colon for a threat and attacks the tissues of the colon, causing it to become inflamed.
Exactly what causes the immune system to behave in this way is unclear. Most experts think it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
(Information from NHS)
“Nick was a really lovely lad who always had a smile on his face,” Mr Ryan said.
“He’s had the condition for a few years but had really struggled with it over the past 18 months.
“His death has hit everyone so hard because it was very unexpected.
“He was looking forward to the future with his girlfriend, who he would have liked to marry.”
Mr Ryan said in the wake his death Nicholas would want people to become more aware of ulcerative colitis.
On December 7 Nicholas posted on Facebook: “I have battled the demons that this debilitating disease can cause: the depression, shame, loneliness, desperate panic, embarrassment, pain, and isolation. I don’t want to hide it anymore.
“With the help of my family who have been so supportive I have decided that I’m going to speak out and get the weight of the stigma off my chest; if it helps one person understand or even relate then it’s worth it.
“Blokes – keep talking. It isn’t sad/pathetic/silly – it’s so important. I’m accepting I’m ill and making friends with the idea. Once I accept it instead of hiding it and pretending I’m fine then I can tackle this next year head on.”
