I feel so lucky to have known you Helen and to have worked so closely with you over the years. What started as a working relationship became a friendship that I will always be grateful for.

You were one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. You always checked in on people, noticed when something wasn’t quite right and somehow always knew exactly what to say. No matter how busy you were, you made time for everyone.

We shared lots of laughs alongside all the work, and I’ll always remember your calm, reassuring approach when things felt challenging. So many people turned to you for advice and support, and you gave both so generously.

I always loved hearing about your family, your holidays with Tim, and everything you were doing with the Brownies. It was impossible not to see how much joy those things brought you. You made such a difference to so many people through your volunteering and your work.

I’ll remember the fruit you brought to away days, your love of Italian food, how immaculate you always looked whenever we met in person, and the genuine interest you took in other people’s lives. You always asked after my family, remembered my children’s names and never forgot what was going on in my world. And yes, Helen, I’m finally getting the roof sorted!

At the end of so many of our calls, you’d say, “Onwards and upwards.” I can hear you saying it now.

Helen, you were one of life’s genuinely lovely people. The world feels a little less bright without you in it. I miss you so much and will never forget you, love Kate