Helen was a highly respected journalist who gained national recognition when she became the first female presenter of Grandstand in 1990. Before presenting the sports show, Helen worked for Essex FM Radio, Cheerleader Production, Thames Sport and then Channel 4. Her work earned her a whole range of media awards, particularly for her coverage of sports for the disabled.

But the highlight of her broadcasting career came in 1998 when she was named Sports Presenter and Reporter of the Year.

It was in August 1997 that Helen was diagnosed with cancer but her determination to survive caught the imagination of the whole country. She undertook her own regime to keep fit and stay well in order to see her daughter, Nikki, through her GCSEs and to continue her own career as a broadcaster.

Under the watchful eye of her oncologist, Professor Neville Davidson, she continued her high-profile work schedule in between courses of chemotherapy. Helen saw that by lending her name and image to the Charity she might be able to help others to benefit from the centres and services provided by the charity.

Through this Charity, she has continued to offer hope to all people who have been touched by cancer.