Nicola has been selected as regional baton bearer for the 2022 Queen’s Baton relay!

April 13, 2022

Hair loss inspiration and North East queen herself, Nicola Wood has been nominated as regional baton bearer for the 2022 Queen’s Baton relay.

This is a particularly poignant occasion for Nicola, aged 36, as Nicola was diagnosed with Invasive Breast Cancer in 2016.

Whilst undergoing treatment, Nicola saw hundreds of woman experiencing hair loss and she was dismayed at the the services available to them. As an experienced hairdresser of 25 years she felt she could bring positive change to the industry. Nicola now runs the Wonderful Wig Company, an incredible company that supports people before, during and after medical hair loss, including alopecia.

“I feel so very honoured to be representing the hair loss community on this incredible occasion. Following my own diagnosis, I know the positive difference and confidence our services are able to give back to women. This is an incredible opportunity to represent and have our business recognised, one which has already helped so many women with medical hair loss and alopecia, and one that is committed to helping many more.”

After a long application process which saw thousands of nominations, Nicola was chosen by a regional selection panel for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Nicola was chosen for her work with the hair loss industry, having dedicated much of her recent years to inspiring other people with hair loss.

Nicola has been recognised as an inspiring individual for her work in the hair loss industry. Work which has seen her and team help thousands of people struggling with hair loss and alopecia.

“My journey with the baton is symbolic of women’s medical hair loss journeys and a reminder that no one needs to do it alone. Myself and the Wonderful Wig Company are here to support fellow women every step of the way”

Nicola is one of just nine baton bearers to be invited to carry the baton in its final stages in the lead up to the Commonwealth games.

Representing the whole of the North East on Thursday 14 July, Nicola will carry the baton at the very end of its 90,000 mile worldwide trip.

The baton itself has an enclosed written message from her majesty herself and shortly after visiting the North East it will arrive at the opening ceremony of one of the most highly anticipated sporting events across the globe, the Commonwealth Games. Here, her Majesty, will be present to take the message from the baton and read it aloud.

“Just the fact that I’m going to be standing shoulder to shoulder with such inspirational nominees doesn’t feel real. It’s an honour to have the work of the Wonderful Wig Company recognised and held in such high regard. I would like to use this opportunity to speak directly to anyone experiencing medical hair loss or alopecia themselves: you are not alone and we stand with you. We are here to help and guide you on your journey, we’re in it together.”

This year is set to be one of the most memorable games yet. Hosted at the all new Alexander stadium in Birmingham, the 2022 games will see 19 sports with 8 para sports integrated into the programme – the biggest Commonwealth para sports programme ever.

The baton is currently in the Caribbean after already visiting four other continents. Over the course of the relay the baton will travel to over 72 nations and be held by over 4,500 athletes before arriving back to the UK on 4th July for the last leg of the tour.

Nicola and fellow baton bearer, Freya Levy

Freya was a member of the GB U25 basketball team who brought home the squad’s first European Gold medal. She now competes at international level for three different sports."