Helen is a gentle, joyous soul now in her 90s and loving every extra day that God brings.

“Faith is so important,” she says, attributing her faith to her granny, who always prayed for her. God became a very real presence in Helen’s life when she was dangerously ill with diphtheria as a child and felt Him draw close in a way that couldn’t be ignored. It was an experience that caused the young Helen, whose parents didn’t go to church, to pursue her faith in church, as soon as she was old enough.

Today, Helen is a little frustrated that recent health issues have slowed her down and limited her mobility, but is so grateful for all the blessings that free healthcare brings. And for the fact that she was able to celebrate her 90th birthday with a great party filled with family, friends and fun.

Fun is something that Helen wishes we all shared a bit more readily. She takes so much delight in her relationship with God, “I think Communion should be lovely meal with everyone sat around chatting. I like to smile at people when I walk back to my seat, but everyone looks so serious! I think if you’ve just spent time with the Lord you should be happy!”

“I think Communion should be lovely meal with everyone sat around chatting. I like to smile at people when I walk back to my seat, but everyone looks so serious! I think if you’ve just spent time with the Lord you should be happy!”

Helen, whose parents were florists, has spent a lifetime bringing colour to people’s lives with her flower arranging. Her favourite task is putting together flowers to remember people. “I love it, thinking about the person, what they were like and what flowers, colours and scents they might like.”

Helen also answered a call to fundraise for the church, St Mary’s in Launceston where she has worshipped for the past 25 years, by setting up a hugely successful farmer’s market in the village hall. “It was wonderful, seeing all the produce, people and opportunities to work together, it was hard work but so much fun.”

Helen has loved her life, her husband Jim was a wonderful man and she is so grateful for her beloved daughter Christine, her grandchildren and imminent great grandchildren. But she says, “If I could give my family all the treasures of this world, I’d rather give them a true faith.”

“If I could give my family all the treasures of this world, I’d rather give them a true faith.”

When Helen was told about this award, although she felt honoured, she was conflicted as she says the Bible is very clear on not doing things for praise. As it turns out, the ceremony will be on the same day as her dear granny’s birthday, surely God’s way of letting Helen know that thanking people is as important in life as giving.