After being diagnosed with endometrial (womb) cancer in 2017, Helen consented to join the 100,000 Genomes Project, which led to her joining the Participant Panel the following year. She later discovered she has a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome that increases her risk of developing bowel and other cancers.

Since joining the Panel, Helen has engaged in a wide range of public and patient involvement (PPI) activities focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. These include membership of the CanGene-CanVar Patient Reference Panel and the Cancer Research Advocates Forum, UK, formerly known as the NCRI Advocates Forum. Recognising a gap in PPI in womb cancer research, Helen joined forces with Peaches Womb Cancer Trust in 2021 to establish and lead its Patient Voices group.

Helen has served as Participant Panel Vice-Chair for Cancer since 2023 and represents the Panel on the Access Review Committee.