The Gloucestershire business community has been left deeply saddened by the passing of Nick Broady, director and founder of the Avenue Group, following a battle with motor neurone disease.
Nick Broady was diagnosed with MND in the summer of 2024 and faced the illness with characteristic strength and positivity. He passed away after contracting pneumonia just before Christmas in December 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by generosity and a deep commitment to the county.
A well known and highly respected figure within Gloucestershire’s professional circles, Nick has been described as an energetic force in the car trade for more than 30 years. Through Avenue Cars, he built a successful and trusted local business, which continues to thrive.
While his success in business was widely admired, it was Nick’s charity work that truly defined him for many across the region. His long standing involvement with the Pied Piper Appeal sat at the heart of his life outside work, where he served as chair and later chair of trustees.
Bringing his business acumen and infectious enthusiasm to the role, Nick helped drive fundraising, awareness and partnerships that transformed the charity’s reach and impact.
Under his leadership, initiatives such as the Pied Piper Annual Car Show became major fundraising events, raising significant sums to support sick and disabled children and their families across Gloucestershire.
His commitment to the appeal was deeply personal, shaped by his own experiences of spending time in hospital as a child and fuelled by a desire to make a tangible difference for others. His approach to charity was hands on and heartfelt, combining time, energy and leadership rather than simply financial support.
A lifelong Gloucester Rugby supporter, Nick was also appointed Chair of the Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation, a role he reluctantly stepped down from just a month ago. Gloucester Rugby Chairman and Owner, Martin St Quinton, said: 'Nick was one of life’s truly good people and we are all heartbroken by his passing'.
'He was kind, generous, and incredibly selfless, with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around him. Even following his diagnosis, when anyone would have understood had he chosen to step back, Nick remained steadfast in doing whatever he could to help others.'
Nick was also a passionate golfer and a well liked member at Brickhampton Golf Club, where he was known for his enthusiasm for the sport, his generosity and his support for fellow members and charitable events.
As recognition for his significant impact on the county through his charitable work, Nick received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Gloucestershire in November 2025.
At the university’s graduation ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse, he told the audience: 'To students thinking about their future, please believe in yourself. Life really is short and every opportunity is a chance to do something meaningful.'
Nick Broady’s passing marks the loss of a respected entrepreneur, a devoted charity champion and a true Gloucestershire figure. His influence will continue to be felt through the business he built, the children’s lives improved through the Pied Piper Appeal and the many people he inspired across the county.
Our thoughts are with Nick’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his generosity, his leadership and his unwavering belief in giving back to the community he cared so deeply about.
