Remarkable Helen recognised for contribution to wildlife

Helen Long, 61, from Carryduff was honoured for volunteering with the RSPB for the past six years, something she began doing when she retired.

She said: "I loved birds. It began 30 years ago when my uncle got me RSPB membership. I have kept it up and when I retired, I thought that I'd like to find out more about birds," she said. "And volunteering with the RSPB has not only helped me increase my knowledge of the natural world, but I have also met such friendly, lovely staff. It has been a real joy."

National Volunteer Week is held every year at the start of June to thank those people who give the gift of time. As part of the celebrations, a reception was put on in Stormont Castle by Volunteer Now.

Hosted by Naomi Long MLA and new MP, the event saw a wide-cross section of people from all over Northern Ireland.

Despite her battle with cancer Helen remains positive saying: "I was told in August last year that I had aggressive breast cancer and was determined that I would have a positive attitude. I prayed that if any good could come of it, let it happen."

Helen's motto seems to be doing everything she does with enthusiasm and great positivity.

Her hair is short, but healthy. It did fall out during the chemotherapy she says, "But I just got rid of the wigs a few weeks ago. I got some outlandish wigs and put a smile on many faces, especially when I went to the hospital for treatment. Why not, I said to myself."

Talking about the contribution she makes to the RSPB, Helen said, "It is just so rewarding. This setting, the office being in such a beautiful place and seeing all this wild life from jays to red squirrels and wee robins - it does the soul good. I also found it very useful when it came to coping with the treatment. The RSPB staff were supportive and knowing that my friends and family were also behind me was helpful to my recovery.

"When the treatment was completed I was only to glad to be back and helping out at the office again where I am still needed," she added.

The entire treatment took five months, and during that time, Helen also found time to write a book of poetry about her chemotherapy experiences, which she has published. She is currently selling the book for 3 which will raise money for the Friends of the Cancer Centre and The Ulster Cancer Foundation.

"People like Helen are one in a million," said Cara Gibney, RPSB Volunteer Development Officer. "She is proof that it is better to give than receive – and we would like to thank and acknowledge all our wonderful volunteers who do this on a regular basis. Together they have contributed thousands of hours to the wildlife of Northern Ireland."

For more information on volunteering for the RSPB go to www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering.

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