A FORMER Wokingham Borough Council has passed away.
Helen Power, who served on Evendons ward, stood down in February last year, just nine months after being elected.
Announcing her decision to stand down in January last year, she said: “Sadly over the summer (of 2018) I was told I had incurable cancer, an unusual type called ‘cancer of unknown primary’.
“I was very fit, healthy and had no family history of cancer. It was a bolt out of the blue and my life was turned upside down. It was so hard to take on board as I felt physically well but it was hard mentally to accept the diagnosis and what it really meant.”
Four cycles of “pretty brutal chemotherapy” followed before a diagnosis in September 2018, which revealed that she probably only had 12 months to live.
However, writing in Wokingham.Today in January she said: “I treasure all I’ve been able to do in this ‘extra’ time, not dramatic bucket list type things in part due to the constraints of hospital treatment, but all so precious and meaningful.”
This included welcoming an Italian Greyhound puppy into her family. “Never having had a dog before it’s been fun, challenging and very rewarding,” she said. “A positive step that has brought so much happiness and distraction from cancer to our family.”
Party members have paid tribute to her, saying that she was an amazing and inspirational lady with a fighting spirit and a joyous personality, with a caring nature.
They felt that during her short time as a borough councillor she fought hard for her residents and both local party members and residents of Evendons ward will always remember her with great love and affection.
Helen spent her last few weeks in the care of the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, and the party expressed its thanks to those who cared for her.
Wokingham group leader, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, said that the party’s thoughts and prayers are with husband Liam and their family.
“I first had the pleasure of getting to know Helen in 2012 when she was the political assistant to the Liberal Democrat group at Wokingham Borough Council,” he said.
“Helen was always enthusiastic, helpful, and willing to do whatever was asked of her.
“Throughout she was always passionate about supporting the local community and residents.
“My delight when Helen was elected in 2018 turned to devastation when incurable cancer was diagnosed.
“Helen was loved and respected by everyone who knew her and made an invaluable contribution to the Liberal Democrat group. She will be remembered by everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her and will be greatly missed.”
And this sentiment was echoed by Winnersh councillor Prue Bray who, as the then group leader, worked with Helen in the office.
“She was a real pleasure to work with but also so determined to fight for what she believed in and to make a difference,” she said. “It is so hard to think she is gone.”
And Cllr Sarah Kerr, said that she treasured the Lib Dem rosette given to her by Helen during the by-election.
“Helen meant so much to so many people,” she explained.
“I have lost count of the number of times I have been stopped in the street with people asking after her.
“On a personal level, Helen was the one that inspired me to move into public service – I owe her so much. She was my mentor.
“We were supposed to do this role side by side and the by-election win was very much a bittersweet moment.
“Helen was so much more than a colleague and fellow campaigner: she was our friend.
“The memories I hold of our friendship I will treasure forever, and my only regret is that we were not able to make more memories.
“My heart goes out to Helen’s family and friends.”
In January, Helen wrote: “I feel very much part of a wonderfully supportive community in Wokingham and would like to thank everyone, for so many good wishes and kindnesses.”
