Helen passed away on the 11 October 2021 at the age of 49. Throughout her life she battled numerous health conditions, including but not limited to cancer in her early 20s. Her body has been suffering since, having had multiple cardiac arrests and countless operations, and eventually couldn't sustain her any longer. Whilst this is an incredibly sad ordeal, we must be grateful to have had her in our lives for so long. She was told she'd die from the cancer, and then again from the cardiac arrest she had at home in 2006, from which the doctors prescribed almost certain death. She was incredible, in the literal sense of the word. What her body lacked in strength, her mind made up for in determination, vigour and tenacity. I hope one day that I have even a fraction of my mother's willpower and fortitude.

Her body was damaged and weakened by decades worth of health issues, but she ultimately passed away as a result of heart failure following two surgical procedures, first to remove her ICD and then to install a bi ventricular pace maker. The operations were successful, but her heart and lungs weren't strong enough to facilitate recovery. Helen has been under the care of St Barts since her cardiac arrest in 2006 and it's as a result of their care that she lived another 15 years. The staff have been incredible. The doctors were invested in Helen, and the nurses went above and beyond to ensure the comfort of my mother. Even when she was sedated they'd communicate their actions to her, e.g. if they were taking blood, to 'make her feel safe'.

Helen loved life, people and the world. She made sure to make every moment worthwhile. Even when she was very ill she made sure never to let her mind falter, and made every effort to give her body the tools it needed to fight. She was never one to allow her health issues to hold her back from doing what she wanted. Against doctors advice she had a child, while practicing law. She also obtained a first in her masters degree in fine art as she was raising her young daughter and battling numerous health conditions. Her work has been shown in many exhibitions in London, Cyprus and even Rotterdam. Her work is accessible via these websites :

https://helenmichael.co.uk/#/home

https://www.amillionlovesongs.com/

She was honest, loving and fair, and this she demonstrated in her roles as mother, wife, auntie and friend.  Helen was truly unique and very special. She will continue to be loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all.