Helen's brave cancer fight helps raise awareness

Helen Stevens (25), who was known as 'Aitch', was described by her loving family as 'a big character in every way' including her personality and attitude.

Helen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February last year. After having operations she finished a course of chemotherapy last August but in November specialists found another tumour.

Helen's sister, Cassie, who works as a nurse, said: "She was so brave and maintained her dignity through all of it. She was never the victim and she fought and fought and fought. Her attitude was 'come on then, we've got to sort this out.'"

Up to a year before she saw doctors Helen started sleeping a lot, more than the average person, and in the six to 12 months before seeing doctors she developed ascites - an over-production of ascitic fluid (a colourless fluid) which builds up in the abdomen.

Ascites can be a symptom of many types of cancer, in Helen's case it was a by-product of the cancer within her ovary which caused her stomach to swell up.

Helen's mum, Sue, said she showed tremendous courage right throughout her illness until she died peacefully at home in Plungar, in the Vale of Belvoir, on February 5.

Sue said: "Helen was never phased by anything. She was such a bubbly girl whose humour was second to none. Even when she was ill that humour was always there. She had a wicked chuckle. If you could have bottled it it would have sold millions."

Helen went to Central School in Grantham before transferring at the age of 14 to King Edward VII where she did her GCSEs. Although she didn't finish her A-levels Helen was interested in law and went on to study at Grantham College.

Helen worked in a variety of roles which she wanted to do to experience life and people. She loved animals and for a while worked as a pet carer at Pedigree Petfoods in Waltham.

Another role she was proud of was being a special police constable in Melton. She completed her training and passed out with flying colours, attending her attestation ceremony in March 2003.

Sue added: "I think she found it a privilege. She took it seriously and it gave her that next taste of life."

Many of her former colleagues within the police force attended the funeral service some of which were in uniform on the day.

Helen also gained experience of the hospitality industry, including working stints at the Peacock Inn in Redmile and the Olde Barn in Marston.

While at the Peacock she met head receptionist Nina and her husband, chef Paul Ecob.They formed a lasting friendship and in October 2006 Helen went out to Lanzarote to work at their new restaurant.

In the spring/summer of 2007 Helen went travelling for about three months, visiting New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and America during her travels before heading back to the restaurant in Lanzarote where she stayed until coming home in November 2008.

Sue added: "She was a free spirit and wanted to taste life in all its genres. Helen was also very generous and loyal. There wasn't a devious bone in her body and she was always the one with her hand in her purse. She would have given you her last penny."

One of Helen's big passions was music and a selection of her favourite songs were played at her funeral.

Having been by Helen's side during her brave battle, mum Sue and sister Cassie have urged any people who think they have something wrong with them not to be frightened to get a second opinion from doctors.

Cassie added: "We'd like to thank Macmillan Nurse Diane Bamkin. The support we received was fantastic.

"There's so much awareness of other forms of cancer but when it comes to ovarian cancer there's hardly anything."

Helen leaves behind mother Sue, late father Ian, sister Cassie and brother Richard.

The funeral took place at St Peter and St Pauls Church in Barkestone-le-Vale with more than 300 people at the service. An ongoing collection for Cancer Research in Helen's memory is still receiving donations at Robert Holland Funeral Directors.

To find out more about ovarian cancer visit the websites www.ovarian.org.uk, www.cancerbackup.org.uk, www.dipex.org and www.ovacome.org.uk

Factfile

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and affects over 6,800 women a year in the UK.

It's not known for certain what causes ovarian cancer, but it is thought that the cancer starts when the cells on the surface of the ovary do not repair themselves after ovulation. Cancer can occur in the ovary at any age, although the most common type of ovarian cancer (epithelial) tends to occur in post-menopausal women. Ninety per cent of cases occur in those over the age of 45.

Because some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to those seen in more common conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Most women are not diagnosed until the disease has spread, which is why it is important that women know about the symptoms, so that they can seek advice as early as possible.

Three symptoms more frequent in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are: persistent pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size/persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes and difficulty eating and feeling full quickly. Occasionally other symptoms such as urinary symptoms, changes in bowel habit, extreme fatigue or back pain may also be experienced on their own or at the same time.

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, which aren't normal for you, it is important that you see your GP to be checked out. If you have already visited your GP and the symptoms continue or worsen, it is important to return and explain this to your doctor.

This month (March) is ovarian cancer awareness month. To find out how you can help raise awareness and funds visit one of the listed websites.