Helen Rollason

Helen Frances Rollason, MBE (March 11 1956 - August 9 1999) was a British sports journalist and television presenter.

Rollason was the first female presenter of the BBC sports programme "Grandstand".

Before joining the BBC, she taught Physical Education for three years. Her journalism career included spells as deputy sports editor at Essex radio, as a presenter on "Newsround", and as sports presenter on the BBC Six O'Clock News.

In 1997, she was diagnosed with cancer of the colon, which later spread to her liver, and ultimately claimed her life at the age of 43, in Brentwood, Essex.

She was awarded an MBE in the Queen's 1999 birthday honours for services to broadcasting.

Before she died, aged 43, Helen Rollason donated her name and image to the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity. The organisation has gone from strength to strength and helps those who have been touched by cancer.

It runs two cancer care centres - one in Essex and another in London - funds a team of research nurses to work with people taking part in clinical drug trials and also runs a research laboratory where ground-breaking work is taking place.

It has also paid for a new chemotherapy suite in Essex and runs a five-day residential retreat in rural Ireland called the Live Well Experience.

Lord Coe is the charity's Patron.

ee also

* Helen Rollason Award

External links

* [http://www.findmypast.com Deaths England and Wales 1984-2006]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/388436.stm BBC Obituary]
* [http://www.helenrollason.org.uk/north_middlesex.php Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity]
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