Alethea McHardy

[CIMVHR | ICRSMV @CIMVHR_ICRSMV]

In Memoriam — Professor Nicola T. Fear CBE, 16 February 2026

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Professor Nicola T. Fear CBE. Professor Fear passed away on 16 February 2026 following a brief and severe illness. Her loss is felt widely across the defence research community, including by many who had engaged with her during CIMVHR's most recent Forum in October 2025, where she was recognized as the first International CIMVHR Fellow — a recognition that reflected the immense respect she had earned across the community.

Professor Fear was internationally recognized as the leading scholar in the field of military family research. Her work was distinguished by its methodological rigour, collaborative orientation and sustained commitment to generating evidence with meaningful impact for military and public safety families. She played a central role in advancing the field and served as a cornerstone of the Families Matter Research Group, where her contributions remain foundational.

The research community has lost an exceptional scholar, mentor and leader. At CIMVHR, we feel her absence deeply. She was a long-time collaborator who first came to CIMVHR Forum in 2015 as a keynote speaker, as well as a trusted partner who worked tirelessly to connect her organization, KCMHR, with CIMVHR and many other Canadian organizations. Professor Fear was an integral part of our community. We honour her legacy by continuing to advance the work to which she was so profoundly dedicated.

Professor Fear is survived by her family: partner Dan, children Mary and Max, and brother Ally and his family.

She will remain with us as we continue our shared commitment to driving change and serving the same communities that she helped to shape.

[Helen Hood @parkrunhelen]

Walk & talk with some of the fabulous @invrnessparkrun @torveanjuniors #parkrunfamily ❤️

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Best book talk I have ever been to. Great to have such an authentic, personable, chilled evening talking with like minded folks. Thanks to @louiseminchin & @burnhow for hosting.

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Funnel managing today at Portobello parkrun Edinburgh 🌆

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Autumnal 🍂 vibes at Aviemore today timekeeping ⏱️

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Run Director at Aviemore parkrun today

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Helix Junior parkrun volunteering today for my quarter voluntouring cowell 😁

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Completing the pirate 🏴‍☠️ challenge at Carlingwark Loch parkrun this morning. This week timekeeping ⏱️ for @parkrunUK

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Keswick Junior parkrun volunteer this morning giving out the tokens.

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Rothay Park parkrun today timekeeping ⏱️ perfect summers day at last ☀️

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

Buzzing to get back to @rothayparkrun this week in the Lake District. Volunteering on the timing ⏱️ this time around and then off on Sunday to Keswick JPR 🙌 a fun packed weekend ☀️

[Alethea McHardy @parkrunningdoc]

New account for the parkrunning doc was required so here it is. My current stats 70 times volunteered at 21 different locations, total runs/walk/jogs @parkrunUK 181 at 112 locations 🥰 Last weekend at Crinan Canal parkrun - new one in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿