Nikki Scott: The Inspirational Military Widow Transforming the Lives of Bereaved Forces Children

Who Is Nikki Scott?

Nikki Scott is a British military widow, charity founder, mother of four, and one of the most inspirational figures in the UK’s Armed Forces community. She is best known as the founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the leading charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military children and young people. Her journey began in heartbreak, but through extraordinary courage and determination, she transformed her personal tragedy into a powerful movement of hope for hundreds of families across the country.

Nikki Scott Age

Nikki Scott was 28 years old in 2009 when her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, was tragically killed while serving in Afghanistan. Based on this verified timeline, she was born in 1981, making her 44 years old as of 2025. Although she has never publicly shared her exact birth date, her age has been consistently referenced in charity interviews and media features, confirming this calculation.

The Tragedy That Changed Everything: The Loss of Corporal Lee Scott

Nikki Scott Husband: Remembering Corporal Lee Scott

Before she founded the charity that would change so many lives, Nikki Scott was living the life of a dedicated military wife. Her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, served proudly with the Royal Tank Regiment. In 2009, just six weeks into his deployment in Afghanistan, he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED). His death devastated Nikki and their two young children, Kai and Brooke, who were only five years old and seven months old at the time.

Nikki has often spoken about the overwhelming pain of receiving the knock on the door that every military family fears. The moment two officers appeared, she knew instantly her life had changed forever. In her own words, the experience was “surreal” and left her feeling as though a part of her had died too. Her primary concern was her children: how to explain to her son that his father was never coming home, and how to navigate a future suddenly filled with uncertainty, grief, and upheaval.

How Nikki Scott Turned Grief Into a Lifelong Mission

In the months following Lee’s death, Nikki found herself struggling to survive emotionally while caring for two children navigating their own heartbreak. During a family holiday nine months later, she saw her son Kai smile for the first time since the tragedy. That moment became her turning point. She realised that children like Kai needed spaces where they could feel joy again — and that no dedicated support existed specifically for bereaved British Forces children.

This insight sparked the idea that would later become Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Nikki reached out to other military widows, shared her vision, and received overwhelming support. In 2010, she officially launched the charity in memory of Lee, affectionately nicknamed “Scotty”.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers: Building a Lifeline for Bereaved Military Children

How Nikki Scott Created a National Support Network

What began as a simple vision has now grown into one of the most respected Armed Forces charities in the UK. Under Nikki’s leadership, Scotty’s Little Soldiers provides:

• Specialist bereavement support

• Access to a unique military community

• Respite breaks for families

• Educational support and development opportunities

• Birthday presents, Christmas gifts, and grants

• Fun events designed to help children smile again

The charity supports young people from 0 to 25 years old, ensuring they have ongoing access to help as they grow and their needs change. Nikki often emphasises that every bereaved military child deserves not only support, but joy and connection — a chance to heal without feeling forgotten.

Massive National Impact

Today, Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports over 600 bereaved military children and young people, with a long-term goal of reaching 1,000 annually by 2030. Families receive support whether a parent died in combat, through illness, accident, suicide, or any other cause.

Nikki’s leadership has positioned the charity as a vital source of hope, stability, and community for military families across the UK.

Nikki Scott Husband Now: Moving Forward While Honouring the Past

After years of rebuilding her life, Nikki eventually remarried. Her husband Joe has been a supportive presence in her life and family. Nikki has always been open about the delicate balance of moving forward while keeping Lee’s memory alive. She has said that she will always “miss Lee for the rest of my life,” but she is grateful for the family and purpose she has built since his passing.

Nikki Scott Children: A Devoted Mother of Four

Nikki Scott is not only a charity founder — she is also a loving mother of four children. Her family is a central part of her life and her motivation.

Children with Corporal Lee Scott

1. Kai – Born around 2004; five years old when Lee died

2. Brooke – Born in 2008; just seven months old at the time of the tragedy

Children with her husband Joe

3. Tilly Leigh – Born in 2015, a bright and lively dancer, often celebrated in Nikki’s social media posts

4. Dani (Danni) Harper Howlin – Born in January 2020, affectionately featured as Nikki’s “little water baby”

Nikki frequently shares moments of pride, joy, and family milestones with her younger children, especially their achievements in dance and the day-to-day joys of motherhood.

Achievements and Honours: Recognising Nikki Scott’s Extraordinary Impact

Nikki’s dedication has earned her national recognition, including:

• British Empire Medal (BEM) – 2021

• Points of Light Award – 2018

• Pride of Britain – Fundraiser of the Year – 2014

• Independent Happy List – Named one of the UK’s 50 most inspirational people

• Charity Film Awards – Silver and Bronze

• Family Values Award – Soldiering On Awards

• Overcoming Adversity Award – Celebrating Forces Families

• Military Charity Award – The Sun Military Awards

Each honour reflects her tireless effort to ensure no bereaved military child ever feels alone.

Quick Info

Nikki Scott’s Legacy: A Life of Purpose, Compassion, and Courage

Today, Nikki Scott continues to lead Scotty’s Little Soldiers with unwavering passion. Her mission is clear: to build a sustainable charity that will support bereaved British Forces children long into the future, long after her own lifetime.

Her journey — from devastation to empowerment — has inspired millions. Through her work, hundreds of children have found comfort, connection, and joy during their darkest days. Nikki stands as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and the extraordinary strength found in transforming grief into hope.

FAQs

1. Who is Nikki Scott?

Nikki Scott is a British military widow, charity founder, and the creator of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a national charity supporting bereaved Armed Forces children and young people across the UK. After losing her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan in 2009, she dedicated her life to helping military families experiencing similar heartbreak.

2. How old is Nikki Scott?

Nikki Scott was 28 years old in 2009 when her husband passed away. Based on this timeline, she was born in 1981, making her 44 years old as of 2025.

3. Who was Nikki Scott’s first husband?

Nikki Scott’s late husband was Corporal Lee Scott of the Royal Tank Regiment. He was tragically killed by an IED in Afghanistan six weeks into his tour. His death inspired the creation of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which Nikki founded in his memory.

4. Is Nikki Scott married now?

Yes. After rebuilding her life, Nikki Scott later remarried. Her husband is named Joe, and together they are raising their children while Nikki continues her full-time role leading the charity.

5. How many children does Nikki Scott have?

Nikki Scott is a mother of four children.

• With Corporal Lee Scott, she has Kai and Brooke.

• With her husband Joe, she has Tilly Leigh (born 2015) and Dani Harper Howlin (born January 2020).

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