Helen Elizabeth Gooding (23 Jul 1964 - 31 Oct 2022)

As many of you will know, our wonderful wife and mum, Helen became suddenly unwell in November 2021. One evening she was rushed to A&E with headache and confusion. She was quickly transferred from West Suffolk to Addenbrookes where she was stabilised following a seizure and spent a number of weeks in their specialist neurology unit. After MRI scans and a brain biopsy our hearts were broken to be told that she had a Grade 4 Glioblastoma- an aggressive and inoperable brain tumour. Helen’s care was transferred to Ipswich hospital where she underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy; the only treatment options other than surgery currently available for glioblastomas.

Following her diagnosis, Helen fought bravely, never once complaining or loosing motivation to enjoy life. She remained pain free and continued to enjoy day trips, meals out and special family time with Richard, Briony, Emily, Ben, Carl and her beloved granddaughter Jessica and grandson Oscar, who arrived just 4 days before she passed away.

She was able to remain at home throughout her illness where she was lovingly cared for by family. She died peacefully almost exactly one year after her diagnosis surrounded by her loved ones.

We would like to thank everyone involved in Helen’s care over the past year. All the doctors and nurses have showed so much care and compassion.

To our wonderful family and friends, thank you for all your help and support. The outpouring of love, well wishes, gifts and practical help offered to us and Helen was, and continues to be remarkable. It gives so much comfort to know so many people cherished her friendship so dearly.

It has been the most difficult year for us and we will forever mourn the many years that we should have had with Helen. She truly was the most loving wife, mum and grandma we could ever wish for. We will be forever thankful to have had her in our lives and we know that the sadness we feel is the price we will have to pay for her love. We hope to continue to make her proud every day. As one of her closest friends recently said, we and her beautiful grandchildren are now her legacy to the world and for that she is marvellous.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Helen, we have chosen to support The Brain Tumour Charity. Tragically, brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and over 12,000 people are diagnosed each year with a primary brain tumour. Research offers the only real hope of dramatic improvements in the management and treatment of brain tumours. Over £700m is spent on cancer research in the UK every year, yet less than 3% is spent on brain tumours.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, they are moving further and faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. A cure really can’t wait.

With love,
Richard, Briony and Emily x