Helen Hopkinson

Like many people, Helen's family has been affected by cancer. Having lost her granddad when she was a child, her uncle is now ill. Unwilling to sit back and accept this Helen gives her time to a number of cancer charities including Cancer Research UK, CLIC Sargent and Marie Curie and Breast Cancer Campaign, including organising and collecting £343.54 from local shops for Marie Curie. Helen has autism but doesn't let this hold her back. In 2010 Helen signed up as a Cancer Campaigns Ambassador for Cancer Research UK. Being an Ambassador is a demanding role as they need to work with their local MP and media; a role that is intimidating for many, but Helen relished the challenge. Towards the end of 2010 Helen met with her MP to discuss the importance of early detection of cancer and asked that he speak to the Secretary of State for Health on the issue. Following this campaign (involving over 70 Ambassadors) we were able to secure extra funding for early diagnosis as well as a commitment to record diagnosis data more consistently. Changes that could save lives. Helen also supports a number of other charities including CP Sport, Arthritis Care, Diabetes UK, Guide Dog for the Blind and the British Heart Foundation.