The beautiful Helen Smedley
I met the beautiful Helen as we are studying Psychology together at the Open University. The OU can be a lonely way to study so I consider myself blessed to have found her, we have laughed, cried and thrown our books down in frustration together for two years now.
However, towards the end of our second course together Helen found out that she has breast cancer. I have been amazed by the strength, humour and good grace she has shown, despite her diagnosis; she wanted to make sure I finished the course and was so supportive in the run up to my exam. I am amazed by her strength, she is an inspiration to me, we are planning our next course together when she has completed her treatment.
The reality
Part of Helen's humour and grace shows through when she talks to me about undergoing chemotherapy after her operation. We have laughed and smiled together about the array of wigs she can have; we think rainbow coloured would be excellent.
However, Helen then went on to explain to me that whilst the NHS gives a voucher towards the cost of the wig it will not really come close to covering the actual cost. We went on to talk about how she would struggle with clothing after the surgery as lymph node removal restricts movement in the arm for sometime.
I find it heart breaking that as well as the battle she faces with cancer itself, my friend will also be facing a battle with things I take for granted; what to do with my hair in the morning and what clothes to put on.
So, why do we need your pennies?
I decided to set up this page to try and raise a little bit of money for Helen. When faced with my friend in this uncontrollable situation I felt I wanted to DO something. I thought any money raised could be to put towards a wig or to buy some clothes that will make movement a little easier.
I will be baking cakes and selling them at work or anywhere else I can think of! I may even go for a crazy hair do! Please look out for more information over the next few weeks.
If you are able to donate please do but even if you can't right now, please send Helen a message of support. I think we can help her keep laughing and keep fighting if she knows we are all behind her.
