Helen was one of my oldest and dearest friends. I have known her since primary school and all through high school remained so close; there wasn’t much we didn’t experience together.

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For the past 8 years I’ve lived in Australia but we never lost contact. Whenever I think of Helen I have a smile on my face and in my heart, she was truly a special person. Crazy is definitely a word that springs to mind to describe Helen, from her homemade crisp packet earrings, chewing on anything and I mean anything she found at the bottom of her bag, to sending me toffee apples in the post last month when I mentioned we don’t celebrate bonfire night in Australia! Other words which best describe her are; beautiful, honest, hilarious, thoughtful and just like the rest of the Kirk family completely selfless.

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I have no doubts in my mind that Helen led a fulfilling life, although there are many things she will now never do, she was happy and will have no regrets. I am blessed to have known her and it pains me to know I shall never see or talk to my friend again, she touched my life deeply. The world has lost a wonderful person but heaven has surely gained an angel.

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On Sunday 23 April 2006 our son Ajay Benjamin Slywa was christened aboard Australian navy submarine HMAS Sheean. To honour the memory of my best friend we named Helen as god-mother. The day went off without a hitch, we had glorious sunshine and Ajay was on his best behavior.

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We were definitely being looked down upon. I was truly blessed to have had Helen as my friend and I miss her more each day. But her spirit can live on as my son is now blessed with his own special guardian angel.

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May Helen rest in peace xxx

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