I met Nik and Ali not long after my husband Roger became a train driver with Northern at Carlisle, after working as a conductor for a few years. We had an impromptu sesh at the Sportsman Pub and mutual admiration was felt all round. It proved to be a rocky period for Roger as he ascended to the role as DTM I always knew he had Nik’s loyalty as they both recognised each other as decent blokes.
We suggested so many times meeting up again for drinks and managed a fabulous session last year which ended up in the West Walls Brewery where this photo was taken.
After his retirement I wanted us to meet up with Nik and Ali more and they were invited to our cheesy 1970s garden party in July but Nik messaged to say he wasn’t well enough to come, the first inkling we had about his health.
We are both so gutted to lose him. He was the loveliest bloke and we should have spent more time with him but we were glad to visit him in Newcastle and have a few laughs together.
Rest in peace, Nik, we miss you so very much xx
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