An achievement award winner who overcame cancer and a major heart attack, and went on to complete a 200-mile walk to help other cancer patents, is continuing with her quest to help others.
Heleneia Brierley, of Burnham-on-Crouch, won the Achievement over Adversity section of the Essex Achievement Awards last year.
She was given the accolade for setting an inspiring example of courage and determination during and after treatment for life-threatening bowel cancer.
Heleneia was nominated by her surgeon, Mr Nigel Richardson, of Broomfield Hospital.
Following her recovery, she pledged to do everything possible to raise funds for the hospital's bowel cancer unit as a "thank you" and to help other patients.
She is continuing to fulfil her promise and is planning a Gala Charity Night at the White Swan function room, Bicknacre, on June 27.
The evening will include live music, a buffet, dancing and a raffle, plus a £50 prize for the best fancy dress featuring Merlin or the Green Man.
The event will start at 8pm and continues until midnight.
Tickets priced at £5 are available from the White Swan on 01245 222826, or from the charities office at Broomfield Hospital on 01245 514460.
Tickets will also be available at the door on the night.
Heleneia said: "This event will help us to raise a lot of money in aid of bowel cancer services at Broomfield Hospital.
"The evening promises to be full of surprises and I hope many people will attend."
Recalling the moment she was given the Achievement over Adversity award last year, Heleneia said: "I stood with many brave people that night. One had entered a house where fire was raging, to save people; others were courageous in their efforts to bring comfort and relief to others.
"I will continue to help those with bowel cancer in any way I can until it is finally my time to go."
The search is now on for people as courageous and determined at Heleneia for this year's Essex Achievement Awards, which are run by the Essex Chronicle Series in conjunction with complementary health practitioner Susie Cornell.
There is also a chance to honour local heroes and community champions.
Readers of the Essex Chronicle and its sister paper, the Brentwood Gazette, as well as BBC Essex listeners, are being asked to make nominations.
There are three categories: Community Champion, Local Hero and Achievement over Adversity.
Chelmsford Star Co-op and the Chelmsford-based radar firm AMS are each sponsoring one of the award categories.
Entry forms can be obtained by calling Lynda Jones at the Essex Chronicle on 01245 603331, or e-mail lynda.jones@essexchronicle.co.uk
Published Thursday, June 12, 2003
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