CARE company Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey is celebrating the achievements of its co-owner, who has completed this year’s London Marathon.

Helen Gapper decided to take on the challenge in support of The Brain Tumour Charity after her niece was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of four. It was the first time that Helen had run this sort of distance, having previously only ever run 10Ks.

Speaking of the experience, she said: “It was actually my husband Jonathan who signed me up to run the marathon as he knew from previous years it’s something I’d wanted to do. The tumour my niece, Ella, was diagnosed with only got picked up because she had an eye test to see if she needed glasses as she complained of headaches after school. Ella went through numerous procedures and treatments including proton beam therapy in Germany, Chemotherapy and several operations. She is now in remission although still has had a few operations to deal with a shunt that helps her manage pressure in her head.”

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Helen continued: “Ella had to learn to talk, walk and write again after her brain surgery. Throughout, she showed so much bravery and determination, I would have been proud to have shown 1 per cent of that during my marathon. I had so much fun - it wasn’t a marathon run it was a marathon party and I had an invite! Although I don’t think I’ll be doing one again.”

Jonathan Gapper, Helen’s husband and co-owner of Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey added: “We are all incredibly proud of Helen. She took on a challenge and overcame it with sheer determination and the support from me and all of the team here at Home Instead”.

Home Instead provides care services to elderly and vulnerable people across the local area, keeping them living safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Its services range from home help and companionship to specialist dementia and palliative care.