Tributes have been paid to Nicki Strong, Head of Communications and Marketing at Racing Welfare, who passed away suddenly at her home in Andover on 5 October 2025, aged 41.
Images: Facebook
Nicki was widely admired across the UK’s equestrian and charity sectors for her professionalism, warmth, and passion for horses. Her passing has left colleagues, friends, and the wider racing community deeply shocked and saddened.
Joining Racing Welfare in 2021, Nicki led key initiatives such as the Castle to Abbey Challenge, a nationwide fundraising walk which raised more than £100,000 earlier this year. She also oversaw campaigns promoting mental health awareness in the racing industry and produced a number of acclaimed charity videos.
Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, Dawn Goodfellow, said the charity was “absolutely heartbroken” at her passing, describing Nicki as “never happier than when she was with horses” and “a wonderful communicator who made an enormous contribution to our work and to racing as a whole.”
Before joining Racing Welfare, Nicki held communications roles with the Hickstead Derby, the Royal International Horse Show, and reported from international events including Badminton Horse Trials and the World Equestrian Games. She also worked with Macmillan Cancer Support and Prior’s Court, a charity supporting young people with severe autism.
Her sister, Kerry Machin, paid tribute on behalf of the family, describing her as “a beautiful daughter, sister and auntie… our hearts are utterly shattered.”
Nicki was a familiar face within the Andover area and often shared her love of horses, community causes, and countryside life through her social media presence. Friends described her as “driven, kind, and endlessly supportive – someone who brought light and laughter into every room.”
Racing Welfare continues to offer wellbeing and counselling support to staff and colleagues affected by her passing.
Nicki’s funeral will take place on Monday, 27 October at Charlton Park Crematorium.
Friends and colleagues are invited to share tributes, memories, or donations in her name at nicolastrong.muchloved.com.
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