Our History - About the Trust

Helen wanted to stay in her own home as she felt safe and comfortable in familiar surroundings. However the extent of her disease made it very difficult at times and it was only because of an exceptional set of circumstances that this was possible.

Her close friend (Glenys) took compassionate leave from her hospice nursing post and came and nursed her full time. Her sister (Jayne) moved back from Spain in order to support Helen. Her husband (Rob) worked for a family business and was able to take off as much time as was needed, with the support of his sister (Carole) and his parents. Their GP (Louise) lived 100yards away and was able to come at the drop of a hat.

After Helen's death her husband felt that because of Helen's spirit, love of life and caring for other people should not stop because of her premature death, and decided to start a charity in her name. Those people who cared for Helen met and acknowledged that she would not have been able to stay in her home if it wasn't for the unique support that was around for her and is not necessarily available to everyone. Motivated by this realisation it was decided to set up a charity to ensure that others would have the same choice to stay at home in the terminal phase of their illness.

This was announced at Helen's funeral and all donations made at that point became the back bone of the charity. Initially the charity aimed to fund the extra care needed to enable anyone with cancer, who was registered at Helen's local GP practice ( Ashenfell surgery in Baslow), to stay in their own home in the terminal phase of their illness. Very quickly the charity realised that funding was needed for equipment hire as well as sitters and specialist nursing care.

As the committee was formed and funds were raised the remit of the charity was able to extend such that not only those with cancer but also anyone with any incurable illness were eligible. The geographical area was gradually extended to cover the five practices now accessing the charity.

Most recently complementary therapy has been added to the services available.

At this stage the Helen Louise Lyon Trust is still principally voluntarily run and so it is unlikely it will expand further without having to start taking on additional payed staff.

The inspiration for the logo featured on a hand written letter, received from three sisters and a friend the eldest being ten (daughters of close friends of Helen's) who as a result of their carol singing raised £20.71 and donated it to the charity. It has been this kind of generosity that has made the charity the success it is today.