NICHOLA Southey was used to battling asthma. But she was enjoying a friend’s 18th birthday party when an attack happened that changed her life forever.

After suffering a heart attack, she fell unconscious and has not woken up for five months.

It is a tragically sad tale of how life can be thrown into complete turmoil in an instant.

Mum Pat Holmes now conducts a daily bedside vigil for Nichola in the hope that she may one day wake up.

The fact is, nobody knows whether the 38-year-old ever will.

But Nichola is a fighter and has already far exceeded doctors’ expectations.

The family is brave. Now they are asking for your help.

Hopefully, Nichola will eventually be able to move into a residential care home, but it will cost money.

An eighties themed fundraising party is planned and you need to dig into your pockets.

This is a touching tale, which reminds us of the fragility of life.