Seven things: Inspirational Donegal figures receiving national attention

Nikki Bradley: Most Inspiring Award nominee

Nikki Bradley (37) inspired the whole country when she returned to running following a leg amputation to take part in the VHI Mini Marathon.

Nikki, who is from Letterkenny was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer aged 16. She has since received two hip replacements and in 2022 underwent rotationplasty surgery, which saw her thigh removed and her knee, shin, and foot rotated and then reattached where her hip was.

She has been using crutches since 2012 and now also wears a prosthetic, yet Nikki has never let that stop her from heading out on adventures and pushing herself to the max. She’s climbed glaciers in Iceland, abseiled off Fanad Lighthouse and finished the iconic and gruelling 24km Fan Dance in the Brecon Beacons in Wales.

In 2023, she was approached by VHI to be an ambassador for their 10km Women’s Mini Marathon.

"It was a great opportunity to restart my training after my amputation, so it was an easy yes,” says Nikki. She found the training enjoyable but says the atmosphere on race day was by far the biggest highlight.

“The route passed St Vincent’s Hospital and my mum, sister and I took a moment to stop outside to reflect on the fact I was passing the hospital during this hugely positive event rather than going in for treatment,” she says.

Her advice for others wanting to challenge themselves? “Don’t overthink it, just sign up. What’s the worst that could happen?”