My life changed forever the first time Helen came to Bray. I don't think our small town was prepared for the rollercoaster that was to follow. I will never forget the many years of laughter and mayhem with the most interesting woman I have ever known. I can recall being a front seat passenger in her car the day Helen passed her driving test and she was so excited that she decided to play chicken with the oncoming traffic. She never flinched once but I was absolutely terrified. I got my own back afterwards though by making her laugh so hard that her wisdom teeth stitches ripped. I don't think she ever forgave me for that one.

Helen never failed to light up a room when she arrived and she lit up our town in a way some of us will never forget. To steal some words from James, Oh No, She knows where to hide in the dark, Oh No, She's nowhere to hide in the dark. She's a star, She's a star.

Helen, you will always be a star. I loved you then, I love you now, I will love you tomorrow and I will miss you always.

Your ever loving friend.

x