A DEVOTED young mum who bravely battled a terminal illness has left a lasting legacy to her local hospice.
Helen Thomas, 32, of Darlington, features in a new video for St Teresa’s Hospice made shortly before she lost her fight with cancer in July 2016.
Chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice Jane Bradshaw said: “Helen approached us in 2016 to suggest making a video to tell her own story, in her own words, while also offering to help show people the real side of hospice care.
“The film, which is for our website, tells the story of a young woman’s illness and the benefits and support she received from the services we offer.
“It was a great privilege to work with Helen, who I knew before her illness due to her support for our cause, and we are all tremendously grateful to her for sharing her story.”
Before her death, former solicitor Helen, who leaves behind daughter Annabelle and financial director husband Philip, was a staunch supporter of St Teresa’s new £1.2m 10-bed inpatient unit and one of the first people to be shown around the facility before it officially opened in November 2016.
Speaking on camera Helen said: “It was like a five star hotel, it didn’t feel like walking into a hospice at all. The rooms were ideal, functional, but at the same time very very elaborate in terms of décor. I was so impressed.
“People really need to get involved in the fundraising for St Teresa’s and contribute in whatever way they can to help this wonderful facility with the appropriate financial support.”
Fundraising is still ongoing to help equip and support the new unit. Helen’s former colleagues at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, the ‘Hel’s Angels’ team, have raised in excess of £20,000.
This has paid for a room in the in-patient unit, named in honour of Helen, and also made a contribution towards the hospice’s Rapid Response Team.
“I would like to thank Helen’s colleagues for their ongoing support and also to her family for allowing us to show the video to the public,” added Jane.
“The video captures Helen’s reactions as a new patient. Helen’s lovely personality shines through and the video will help raise both awareness and funds, so that many more people can benefit from the breadth of expert care provided at St Teresa’s Hospice.”
Helen’s Story can be viewed at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk.