Family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Nicola Wheatley from Pontarddulais, who police have confirmed as one of three people who died in a paddleboarding incident on a river in Pembrokeshire.
Mrs Wheatley, 40, has been named by Dyfed-Powys Police as one of the victims of the incident, on the Cleddau River, on Saturday, October 30. Paul O’Dwyer, 42 from Sandfields, Port Talbot and Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, also died, police have confirmed.
A woman remains in a critical condition in hospital.
A statement from Nicola’s family said: “We are devastated by our loss. Nicola was a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife.
“Nicola was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person. She was amazing in every way.
“She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled. “We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
A tribute from colleagues of Nicola’s added: “Nikki began her employment with Cardiff And Vale UHB in July 2006 as a Specialist in Poisons Information with the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), Cardiff, having begun her toxicology career with Guys and St Thomas’s, London.
“A highly experienced member of the 24/7 telephone enquiry team, Nikki provided advice to healthcare professionals managing poisoned patients. She will be remembered for her calm, friendly and totally professional manner – even when faced with the most difficult of cases.
“Nikki was an enthusiastic, dedicated and an incredibly capable colleague. She was our ‘go to’ person for organising projects and campaigns. Recently, she successfully oversaw a complex and challenging project developing safety sheets for our pharmacy colleagues at the St Mary’s unit.
“Nikki is also remembered as a gifted and dedicated scientist, who made significant contributions to the field of toxicology and presented her work at an international level. “Through her lovely personality, Nikki made many friends during her time in public service and will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues at the NPIS.
“Nikki leaves her young family, husband and extended family. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time.”
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