A Bury nurse has received a MBE in the New Year Honours list for her work in helping people with cancer.

Helen Hyndman has been recognised for her work with charity, the Eve Appeal, which she has carried out despite being diagnosed with advanced womb cancer.

A former consultant nurse, Helen stepped back from full-time work for the NHS to become a nurse advisor for The Eve Appeal, the UK’s leading gynae cancer research and awareness charity.

At The Eve Appeal, Helen runs  nurse information service, "Ask Eve", a specialist gynaecological health information service offering free, confidential and expert advice and support to women and their families affected by gynaecological cancer, and for anyone with concerning gynaecological symptoms or concerns.

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While in hospital with her cancer treatment, Helen continued to support women in the shared ward where she stayed.

She refused to stop working, continuing with meetings and support calls around her own treatment, knowing that with the pressure on access to GPs and specialist gynaecological support, many women would be left waiting - her personal commitment to women in need has never wavered.

Helen continues to work with all of the team at The Eve Appeal, without any sign of stopping.

She is pushing forward work on co-production, to incorporate the voice of those with lived experience of gynaecological cancer across all activity within the charity.

She is supporting our new team who are working on The Eve Appeal's workplace gynae health programme, The Every Woman Promise.

She also helps with outreach schemes to bring trusted information about gynae health to south Asian women around the Greater Manchester area, and is working on expanding our outreach project to Black communities.

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Ask Eve services users have also praised Helen’s recent support.

One said: “What a great service, especially in these very difficult times in the NHS, where all services are very stretched, so nice to talk with someone so understanding and helpful.”

Another added: “I would like to thank Helen for her kind calming advice, it meant so much to offload my anxiety that I have been feeling this service is most valuable. Thank you Helen.”

A third user said: “I spoke to a nurse called Helen who listened patiently to everything I said and was able to offer a plethora of advice, information and huge support. I can’t recommend this service enough!!”

And another added: “Thanks for the gentle and kind responses and allowing me to go at my own pace.”

A fifth said: “This is a vital service, especially at a time when our health system is under so much pressure.

"Really impressed with the quality of information given and the quick response. I feel empowered to take the next steps - thank you.”