Working with Helen was a great privilege, she was always so generous with her time and expertise. She was our rabies and tapeworm oracle, a powerhouse in all things disease and risk assessment.  She had the patience of a saint during the many times I tried to test my understanding of the science with her! I would often ask her to explain the evidence as if it were ‘for dummies’, her virtual door was always open and she would happily oblige, letting me ask all the stupid questions that sprang to mind. I’d often leave with grim but fun facts about disease to share with my friends and family outside of work, leaving them wondering what on earth we do for a living.

The thing I’ll remember most about Helen though was her warmth and quick humour. Even in the most stressful times she could find the funny side with a little teams message during a difficult meeting or debrief after to have a rant. I felt like I could be myself around her and not have to filter.

I’ll carry all I learnt from Helen with huge respect, gratitude and a smile when I get to use the knowledge she imparted.

Helen’s loss is already being felt greatly and I miss her deeply.   All my love to her family and friends xx