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Breast cancer campaigner Helena McAlpine dies aged 37

Former television personality Helena McAlpine has passed away after a long battle with cancer
Helena McAlpine

Breast cancer campaigner Helena McAlpine passed away on Wednesday at the age of 37, in her home, surrounded by friends and family.

A former presenter for C4, Helena was first diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago. She was devoted to raising awareness through her work with the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF), and was the public face of many of the organisation’s campaigns.

As well as helping to raise awareness of breast cancer, Helena was also instrumental in contributing to the NZBCF’s fundraising campaigns. Over a three-year period as the face of the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, Helena helped raise over $2.2 million for research, support and education initiatives.

In 2012, Helena was re-diagnosed with breast cancer, but the disease had spread to her liver and become incurable.

“When Helena decided on something, she was unstoppable,” said NZBCF Chief Executive Evangelia Henderson.

“We learned to probe her ‘I’m fine’ – she had such a keen sense of responsibility to other women, she’d ignore her illness and arrive at an event in obvious pain.

“She was determined to use her remaining time to help others, and she rose to every occasion with strength, grace and generosity. We will miss her so much,” she said.

A Givealittle page has been set up to help cover the funeral expenses for Helena’s parents and provide for Helena’s 15-year-old daughter, which can be found here.

Tributes have already started flowing in for Helena on Twitter:

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