Like many a teenager at the time she didn't use sun cream to protect herself while she was sunbathing.
Now decades on, the 39-year-old, pictured on the front page and above, has been told she could have just months to live after being diagnosed with skin cancer malignant melanoma.
Doctors say it will only be a matter of time before the terminal illness takes hold of her body.
The mum-of-two said: 'I can't believe my life is at risk because of the sunshine.
'It is the worst form of skin cancer you can have.
'So the girl who absolutely adored the sun is now frightened to death of every sunny day.
'I loved the sun.
'I never used sun cream when I was growing up.
'As a teenager I would lie out on the beach and put baby oil on my legs so I'd go brown more quickly.
'I've always been a sunworshipper.
'I didn't burn so I would lie out in it with my friends all day. I never thought it was dangerous.'
Nicky, from Fort Cumberland Road, Eastney, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – which is on the rise across our area.
She was diagnosed in June 2005 after her GP spotted a tiny mole on her chest.
Tests later revealed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, which were removed.
Then in December last year doctors discovered a tumour on her left lung had grown to the size of a tangerine.
She underwent an operation to remove it three weeks ago and is now awaiting an MRI scan to check whether it has spread any further. If not, Nicky could opt for radiotherapy in a bid to prolong her life.
Nicky said: 'I have had all this done to try and stay here longer. The way I see it, if I have to lose my hair it's a good thing because it means it's part of my fight to get on with it.
'I have days when I'm scared and days where I'm distraught but you can't wallow. You've got to get over it, get on and be thankful for each day.
'The prognosis isn't great but I think the power of your mind can do an awful lot of good things.
'There will be a day when I get worse but that day's not now. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me.
'I know I might come across as strong but I wouldn't be if I was on my own.
'I'm strong because of the amazing network of family and friends I have around me. I sincerely want to thank them for that.'