A woman who was starving to death due to a rare condition has tragically died hours before a lifesaving operation.
Nicolette Baker, suffered from a rare illness called Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome (SMAS), which meant eating became “excruciatingly painful”.
She weighed only 20kgs after a lifetime of fighting the condition which starves the body of the nutrients it needs, reports CornwallLive.
While in palliative care 36-year-old Nicolette, as she was known launched a fundraiser for a life-saving operation in Germany.
She raised almost £100,000 towards a lifesaving operation which was expected tto go ahead this week.
But she died in Germany while waiting for her operation.
Nicolette's friends and supporters have been left devastated by the news she was full of hope for the future.
James Kitto, who helped run a charity auction with Mark Pollard a former classmate of Nicolette, was shocked by the news.
James told CornwallLive: “It is absolutely heartbreaking news. Nicolette had travelled to Germany and was so close to having the operation that could have changed her life, but it wasn’t to be.
“She was so incredibly grateful for - and amazed at - the amazing support she received from across the world since her GoFundMe page was set up and her interview was shared, with over £97,000 being raised to help her get the treatment she needed.
“She was a selfless person. The most important thing in her life was being able to help others.
“She regularly cooked for the homeless and spent her most recent Christmas Day at St Petrocs (homeless shelter) serving Christmas dinner to those in need, despite being so poorly herself."
He added: “Nicolette was such a wonderful, thoughtful person. I, and I’m sure many others, will forever be inspired by her example of kindness to others and by her strength and her bravery.”
Nicolette's family said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy and for sharing their lovely memories of Nicolette."
Mark added: “Perhaps it’s a small condolence that she knew that she had literally thousands of people behind her and supporting her and that she died trying, despite having resigned herself to death previously.
"I never thought she’d die though - hope is a wonderful, dangerous thing to have sometimes.”
Despite her life threatening condition, Nicolette remained hopeful and joyful and continued to help others.
She was volunteering for a local soup kitchen at Christmas and in a local charity shop a few weeks ago.
Mark added: “When you think she’s had such rotten luck. She was amazing.”
Nicolette received several donations of more than £1,000 and a series of events were organised to raise the vital cash.
At the time, Nicolette said the money raised would not just be helping her but would also go towards improving the lives of others afflicted by her condition.
As her original £50,000 target was smashed, then her second target of £80,000 was also met, she thanked her supporters, saying: “The result of the surgery is not guaranteed but this is my last chance to reclaim my quality of life.
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“Any unspent donations following my surgery, recovery and aftercare will be used to make a difference to the lives of others on our planet.
"Because the difference you have made to mine just by giving me this chance has been indefinable.”
Tributes and condolences have been pouring in since the news of Nicolette’s tragic death started filtering through.
Jemima Eddy, said: “Oh no this is so desperately sad. What a wonderful kind and selfless person, with a heart full of love to give. Nicolette has inspired so many, I’m so sorry.”
Karen Gronwalt added: “I am so very sorry to hear this. My condolences are with all of her family and friends at this sad time.
"A massive thank you to all the people who pulled together so quickly and organised the much needed funds to give Nicolette a chance of a new life.
"Sadly it wasn’t to be, but the kindness shown was incredible and is something I’m sure her family will never forget.”
Amanda Bradley, echoed the words, adding: “This is heartbreaking. Nicolette fought so hard and with such dignity. She was always acting with such kindness despite her own battles.”
Sally Cole added: "Oh no, so very sad to hear this , well done Mark and James for giving her hope and a chance of recovery. Also for helping her raising awareness of this dreadful condition and the fight many people have to go through every day , that so many of us take for granted. Much love to Nicolette's family."
