Charlie Nicholson and Ryder taken last week when they returned from Australia. Photo/Supplied
Charlie Nicholson and Ryder taken last week when they returned from Australia. Photo/Supplied
A dying mother has received the "perfect send off" by one of her favourite bands.
Charlie Nicholson received a grim cancer diagnosis in November, when doctors told the then-31 weeks' pregnant Gisborne woman she had late stage melanoma.
Ms Nicholson had to leave her newborn son behind while she soughtmedical treatment in Australia, but she returned to New Zealand last week.
Ms Nicholson and her partner, Shawn Elsmore, wed at a hospital chapel and welcomed their son, Ryder, a few days later.
Her sister, Tanya Veide, said the 38-year-old was now in Waipuna Hospice in Tauranga, with her husband, baby and other family at her side.
Her family were hoping to make something special happen in her final days, Ms Veide said.
"She's a massive Fat Freddy's Drop fan and we put it out on Facebook last night asking if they could come and play to her ...even if it was just a singer and guitarist, that would be just the most perfect send off for her and she deserves it."
And Fat Freddy's Drop came to the party. A private Skype session was held yesterday afternoon, according to the band's Facebook page.
"Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts for Charlie. We played 3 songs via skype in a private moment for Charlie & her family. Kia Kaha x," the post read.
Ms Veide and other family members planned to attend the band's Dunsborough, Western Australia, concert with Ms Nicholson on Valentine's Day, but Ms Nicholson's diagnosis meant this could not happen.
Her sister's favourite songs were Roady and Blackbird, and she had loved the band since their earliest days, Ms Veide said.
"She's always had a crush on [vocalist] Dallas [Tamaira]."
Her sister could no longer talk, but they had told her about their bid to get her favourite band bedside.
And the new arrival to the family was also keeping their spirits up.
Ten-week-old Ryder, born nine weeks early following his mum's cancer diagnosis, was doing well, Ms Veide said.
