Nicole Thea Foundation (NTF) was founded in memory of a beloved WIFE, DAUGHTER & SON

Nicole Thea Foundation (NTF) was founded in memory of a beloved wife and son, whom we tragically lost on July 11th, 2020. Their passing left an unfillable void in our hearts, shattering our world and forever changing our lives. The pain and grief we experienced seemed threatening to engulf us entirely. Nicole Thea was 8 months pregnant when she collapsed at home in July 2020, and later died when doctors were unable to save her life and the life of her and Boga’s son Reign on 11 July 2020.

The autopsy discovered that Nicole died from a cardiac arrest caused by an undiagnosed heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) - a condition Nicole’s grandmother died from in 1986. At this point the family should have beem made aware of the possible outcomes to future generations because HCM is hereditary.

Prior to Nicole’s collapse, Nicole had informed NHS staff in a telephone consultation, that she was experiencing shortness of breath and feeling unwell, where she specifically stated this on her ‘You Tube’ channel that ‘she felt that the baby was eating her from the inside out’ and that she ‘could walk from one here to the end of the room and feel like she was dying’. Nicole also stated that the worst thing about her pregnancy was that she was always out of breath, and she was told that it was not an issue and that it was normal to feel tired during pregnancy, and so the midwives dismissed her claims of breathlessness.

In case of black people, cardiovascular diseases are more common, so greater attention should be given to black pregnant women who display any symptoms and speak of them.

In addition, the call to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service when Nicole collapsed was taken by a trainee operator who was not adequately supervised causing a delay in the response from paramedics.

The foundation is working to improve the care that black pregnant women in maternity and healthcare receive. Thus, the aim is to raise awareness about the HCM condition and the greater care in maternity for pregnant women who display symptoms.

Please join us in our fight for change so that no other family has to suffer the pain we are feeling right now where two lives have been lost.

“During those dark times, there were moments when I felt like giving up when the weight of sorrow seemed unbearable. I battled with overwhelming despair and even contemplated the unthinkable. But, somehow, within the depths of my anguish, a glimmer of hope emerged, guiding me forward. For some reason, I found the strength to keep going, to persist in the face of unimaginable pain. Now, I have discovered my purpose through the Nicole Thea Foundation—a purpose born out of the determination to prevent any other mother from enduring such profound loss and heartache. Our mission is to safeguard the lives of precious babies, ensuring that no mother has to experience the devastation that our family has endured” - NANA AFRIYIE, Founder of Nicole Thea Foundation.

Through the Nicole Thea Foundation, we envision a world where every baby is cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive. We believe that coming together as a community can make a difference and save lives. It is a journey we undertake with unwavering faith and trust in God, for it is in His strength that we find solace and resilience. Every day, we work tirelessly to create awareness, support, and resources for expectant mothers, empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. We strive to make a meaningful impact by advocating for safe practices, providing access to healthcare, and promoting education on maternal and infant well-being.

Though our hearts may forever bear the scars of loss, we draw inspiration from our beloved Nicole and her precious son as their spirits guide us in this noble cause. Their memory lives on through the Nicole Thea Foundation, fueling our passion and reminding us of the urgency to make a lasting impact.

Join us in our mission to honor their legacy and create a brighter future for mothers and their babies. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and happiness to countless lives.