At the time she was born parents of babies with Down's Syndrome were told not to expect much, that they wouldn't live long and it was strongly suggested it would be best to give their 'mongol' babies up.


Well, like many others Helen proved them wrong and lived life to the full. Putting any perceived disabilities aside her incredible parents and loving siblings fully embraced life as it was. It was a time when that wasn't straightforward and we still have a way to go, sadlyt. My grandparents cared for Helen into their 80's. Something I'll forever marvel at.


If you met Helen once you were a friend for life, she'd have your full name and birthday written down and memorised. The next time she saw you were guaranteed a hug,or a hearty handshake, no matter where this might be, or if you'd seen her coming. In the absence of seeing you, she'd ask for a message to be passed; "tell [so-and-so] they were asking after me". That one always made me giggle.

Our aunt became an honorary cousin, eternally playful. Playing cops and robbers, those citizens arrests hurt, but were effective. As were the makeshift jails "HELEN, LET US OUT FROM UNDER THE STAIRS" were the cries when she'd single handedly managed to lock a handful of us up. Possibly for crimes of "ruining my holiday".


Helen came hand in hand with a love for the police, Cliff Richard, fairytales and sparkles. AND beating all my friends at table tennis. That was definitely a top party trick. We sung along to her large repertoire of songs she knew word for word. We exchanged knock knock jokes, watched the little mermaid and danced any, and all, actions songs together.
She'd make sure you knew the "TELEPHONES RINGING" if you left it more than one ring.

In the quieter moments she'd sit with a cup of tea, writing down screeds of jokes. Often chuckling away to herself, and you couldn't help but join in. Other classic jokes were knocking every internal door before she entered until someone opened it.


Helen inspired so many people, made them smile, made them feel special. She challenged prejudice and judgements. She made people want to be kind. She was mischievous and had huge heart and soul.

We all love you auntie H. We are so proud of you, not because of what you had, but because of who you were.