Helen, I miss you every day. You brought us so much joy that we will never ever foget you. I hope that there is life after this one as that is where I imagine you to be. Stay well my friend. Karina & Family XXXXX

My Best Friend (Eulogy by David) We should not be sad that we have lost Helen but should rejoice in the fact we have been lucky enough to know Helen. The only way we could not be sad today would be if we had never had the privilege of being captured by her infectious smile and laughter and all the wonderful memories that brings. In her 33 short years Helen lived for every day and she would not want us to be sad rather that we celebrated her wonderful life and it is a fitting tribute that there are so many gathered here. The way Helen touched people can be seen from the range of people here today; From her school, swimming club, college, working at Wimbledon and other Leisure Centres, people she has taught to swim, friends of mine whom I often think were happier to see Helen than me, from school where she worked as Learning Support Assistant even from her time in hospital. It was no accident that Helen was so popular, she had no pretences and was always just Helen often outspoken but truly loyal loving & caring. Her openness, honesty, permanent smile and good humour instantly made people want to be her friend and once they got to know her fun loving personality and joy of life they were captured. Even during the difficult times in hospital she was the life and soul with many of the doctors & nurses popping in to see her for a chat, laugh and gossip. Helen was so full of fun, always the first on the dance floor or table if available to get the party going or on the stage singing and what she lacked in tuning she compensated for with extra volume and enthusiasm. Her fun side shone through at a black tie event we went to in a stately home. She decided that sliding down the banister of the main sweeping staircase would be a good idea but her technique was not good and she ended up doing a forward flip from 9 feet, landing on the barman in the bar that had been set up beneath. Helen was also modest and whilst fiercely motivated and determined, always achieving anything she set her mind to, Helen never realised how talented she was and just how good a friend she was to so many people. Helen was never afraid to laugh at herself. When she was going to church for the first time in preparation for her christening, unsure what to do when people turned to her and shook her hand saying 'Peace be with you’, delighted everyone was so welcoming she responded 'oh thank you very much' It was only after this had been repeated a few times that she heard the more usual response of 'and also with you' Using some words that her friends have written in cards:- · Helen was a great friend she always gave great advice and had an incredible zest for life · She lived life to the full, and that encouraged everyone she knew to do the same. · Helen lit up the darkest room and the dullest company · Her vitality brought joy to us all · Helen was a one off, her character, zest for life and fun loving attitude was to be admired, along with her compassion and empathy for anyone less or even more fortunate than her. · She had time for everyone regardless of her own personal circumstances and would offer advice, a shoulder to cry/lean on and everything was done with a smile on her face and with no thought to herself. · Helen has brought 2 wonderfully perfect young people into the world, of whom, I know she is very proud. · Helens death has left a huge gap in the world that can never be filled but the family and friends she has drawn together will be a support to us all. · For Helen making friends was as easy as catching a cold. It was so hard to be unhappy when she was around, she had a way of making you feel special even up to her last days. · Everything she did was done with enthusiasm and passion and she always put others first. We can be happy to know that, although Helen will never get to know Oxted where she was so looking forward to bringing up our family, she spent a precious few weeks at home over Christmas and New Year. She enjoyed Joseph's first Christmas and our first new year in our new house watching the fireworks from the kitchen. We also got to go out for a meal on our anniversary. Helen was a wonderful mother and wife, helping Elise grow into the wonderful child she is and keeping me on the straight and narrow most of the time. She was always there to give Elise and I that little kick up the backside we always seemed to need and she will be comforted to know how many people have been and will continue to be looking out for us in these difficult times. I know Helen was very proud of Joseph and Elise and I shall do my best to make sure she will always be very proud of them and I know that they will always be very proud of her. We often used to joke about her middle name of joy but she truly was a joy. I know in Helen I had met my perfect match. More than that she was true, loyal, a fantastic mother and wife and most of all my best friend.

Helen was just plain and simply gorgeous inside and out. Just looking at these photos reminds me of so many many happy memories and of just how beautiful Helen was in body and soul. This website is a fantastic idea and i hope everyone will find the time to contribute their thoughts and pictures. We miss you Helen, and wish a little of your spirit falls on all of us.