Notts-trained midwife dies in cycling accident
SHE WAS IN TRAINING FOR A CHARITY BIKE RIDE
TRIBUTES have been paid to a motherof-three who was tragically killed while training for a charity bike ride.
Helen Renton, who trained to become a midwife at University of Nottingham, died on Sunday when her cycle collided with a van on a rural Scottish road.
Described as an “awe-inspiring” mother, daughter and friend, Helen had been fundraising for the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Her passing has left a “massive void” in the hearts of all her loved ones, especially her husband, Chris, and her three children, Jack, Alice and Charlie, reported Grimsbylive.
Helen worked at Galloway Royal Infirmary having relocated from Barton-upon-humber to Dumfries, Scotland in March last year.
She had graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012.
Now, Helen’s friend in Scotland, Suzi Sherrin, has set up a Gofundme page to raise money towards Helen’s funeral costs and support the family through.
The fundraiser has raised a massive £8,300 in just 24 hours, leaving Suzi “overwhelmed” by the support.
Suzi told Grimsbylive: “I am absolutely overwhelmed with the response I’ve had to Helen’s story and fundraiser.
“The donations we have had in less than 24 hours are amazing.”
Helen and Chris moved to Dumfries with Charlie just before the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
Her other two children, Jack and Alice, are from a previous relationship.
Suzi added: “With no friends or family, in the area, they took the decision that Chris would care for Charlie while Helen worked various shifts at the hospital.
“Due to her shifts, Chris was unable to work. Therefore Helen was their only source of income. This fundraiser will give Chris some breathing space financially to allow him to come to terms with losing his much-loved partner and the mother of his only child.”
Kate Slater, another close friend of Helen’s who has been also sharing the Gofundme page, said: “My beautiful friend was killed riding her bike at the weekend.
“The cruel irony was that she was in training for a fundraising bike ride.
“Unbelievably tragic loss for her partner Chris and three children Jack, Alice and Charlie.
“And she will leave a massive void for all of us.”
On the Gofundme page, Suzi wrote: “This fundraiser is in memory of my best friend, here in Dumfries, Helen Renton.
“Helen was tragically killed whilst out cycling on Sunday, April 11.
“I am hoping to raise money to help with the inevitable funeral costs and to try and give her partner Chris and their wee boy Charlie a wee bit of help in the coming months.
“Helen also leaves behind her older children Jack and Alice.
“Helen simply loved life! She is a mother, daughter, midwife, friend and cycling fanatic!
“Her passion for cycling whilst raising money for charity was simply aweinspiring. She is loved by many and will be so sadly missed.”
The Facebook fundraiser Helen set up just one day before the accident aimed to raise £150 for CHAS.
She wrote: “Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I’m raising money for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate £5 or £500. Every little bit helps.
“Thank you for your support. I’ve included information about Children’s Hospices Across Scotland below.
“We’re Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, but you can call us CHAS.
“We make sure that no matter how short their time together may be, it is filled with happiness. Even in the pain of grief, we’re determined that joy lives on.”
She has so far raised £250. The page is still open for donations.