Big Brother’s Nikki Grahame dies aged 38 one month after friends started a GoFundMe

Big Brother Nikki Grahame has died at the age 38 – just one month after her friends started a GoFundMe page for anorexia treatment. 

Nikki rose to fame after appearing on the 2006 series of Big Brother and struggled with anorexia.

She had recently checked into a private hospital to treat her eating disorder and her friends had started a crowdfunding page to help with her treatment.

Her sad death was confirmed online by her friend Leon Dee on Saturday.

A statement on the GoFundMe page read: ‘It is with great sadness, we have to let you know that our dear friend Nikki passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April.

‘It breaks our hearts to know that someone who is so precious was taken from us at such a young age. 

‘Nikki not only touched the lives of millions of people, but also her friends and family who will miss her immensely.

‘We would like to request privacy at this difficult time, while Nikki’s friends and family process the sad news. Full details will be released as and when we know them.

‘All donations have been greatly appreciated and it was heartwarming for everyone including Nikki to see how much she was loved.’

Leon added that all the funds raised in the GoFundMe will be given to a charity as a donation in Nikki’s memory.

He penned: ‘Funds will be held safely in this GoFundMe until we have established an organisation supporting those suffering from anorexia to which we will make a donation in Nikki’s memory. 

‘We will post updates for you with more details as soon as we have them. We are working with GoFundMe at this time. If you want to request a refund, you can write into GoFundMe’s team here. 

‘Rest In Peace, Nikki. We love you & not a day will go by without missing your smile. X X X’

Nikki appeared on the seventh series of Big Brother UK in 2006 and she developed an eating disorder as a child. 

Just last month Nikki’s pals had launched the account to try and raise funds for her to receive specialist treatment. 

Her friend, TV presenter Rylan Clark-Neal, also appealed to his followers to help with donations, saying in March that anorexia had left Nikki in a very ‘bad way’.   

Rylan, who won Celebrity Big Brother 11, said on Twitter: ‘This is v hard to read but sharing with permission. If some of the family could help in any way I know it would be greatly appreciated. Sending love x.’ (sic) 

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