Helen Louise Smith (4 Jul 1967 - 19 Jun 2017)

I’m left to deal with what you left behind. A father traumatised. I saw him break down that day we had to switch it off. I always saw him as so strong, my granddad could get me through anything. But then, I lay my heart across your chest. I did it just to get closer but I didn’t realise I would hear your last heart beat echo through my body. That is the beat u hear whenever life bow gets out of control .

I’ve carried my anger around for years but now I enter a new stage. An alien stage because no one stopped and asked how I was really because I appeared fine. I built my own resilience with only the things that made me happy.

No one should ever go through what I did. Her eyes torture me still and I try to work past the anger but it’s so deep. It destroyed us.

To my beautiful friend and colleague Helen. I have been listening to a song by James Marz since I heard the sad news. The song is saying goodbye to yesterday. How do I say goodbye to what we had. The good times that made us laugh outweigh the bad. I thought we would see forever but forevers gone away. Its so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
I'll take with me the memories to be my sunshine after the rain, its so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

Helen was my friend and colleague at CCC. Chris, Generva and Dom I am thinking of you all at this very sad time. Helen was a wonderful women and an inspiration to many. We shared some very good times and she will always be in my heart.

Chris, Dom and Gen so sorry for your loss. Helen was a remarkable woman and I will never forget her. Her love was unmeasurable. God bless her soul xxx

So sorry to hear of your loss Chris, Dom and Gen - Helen was a beautiful person and my deepest condolences to you all xx

I was so sorry and very sad to hear about Helen.She was always so concerned for the welfare and quality of care for our looked after children .My deepest condolences for all of the family.

To Chris, Gen and Dom - am so very sorry to hear such sad news. Helen was a lovely woman and will be so sadly missed. Thinking of you all.

My condolences to Chris, Gen and Dom, Helen was a Service manager for a team in which I worked at CCC, she was always approachable, honest and willing to listen. She will be greatly missed .

I will never forget you Helen. Beautiful inside and out x

Met Helen briefly when visiting the family in England, but during that few and brief moments I could tell how kind and caring she was, opended up Chris and hers home for us. My condolences goes out to the family and even though we far a part we are with you within our hearts.

Helen and I became friends when we worked together at Cumbria CC. She was a lovely person and a true professional; a strong advocate for vulnerable children and improved the lives of so many young people during that time. I then got to know her family and her parents and I wish to express to them my compassion and sadness at this time and to pay tribute to the friend and colleague I truly valued.

Helen and I became friends when we worked together at Cumbria CC. She was a lovely person and a true professional; a strong advocate for vulnerable children and improved the lives of so many young people during that time. I then got to know her family and her parents and I wish to express to them my compassion and sadness at this time and to pay tribute to the friend and colleague I truly valued.

Sleep well my beautiful friend. Heaven has gained a new gorgeous angel.
To Chris, Genevra and Dom,
There are no words that can ease your pain and I wouldn't try to, Helen was an amazing lady who will be missed immensely. My heart goes out to you all, sending you all of our love. Stay strong, be brave and celebrate the fantastic lady she will always be. Xxxxxxx

To Chris, Gen and Dom,
My thoughts are with you all at this most difficult time. I'm so sorry to hear this very sad news.
Brenda Wile (former colleague at Cumbria County Council)