Coronation Street star takes time to visit children's hospices

The actress, best known for her portrayal of Rosie Webster in Coronation Street, met the life-limited and life-threatened children who were enjoying respite care at Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices.

Helen, who had her first child Matilda with footballer boyfriend Scott Sinclair last year, got messy helping with some arts and crafts activities and spent time touring the charity’s state of the art facilities.

She also spent time with the Naomi House & Jacksplace nursing team learning about the complexities of their job and the support they offer families on good days, difficult days and last days.

Helen agreed to appear at the charity’s forthcoming Foam Fest Fun Run at Beaulieu Motor Museum in the New Forest. She’ll be cheering on 500 runners as they make their way around a 3km foam-filled obstacle course on September 25.

Helen said: ‘It was a pleasure to visit Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices where the staff and facilities were amazing. I was overwhelmed by the care provided for these young people, and the commitment to give these children some independence and dignity. It really is a wonderful place and it was a privilege to be there.’

Keith Wilson, marketing manager, said: ‘Helen was hugely generous with her time and was brilliant with the children we care for here.

‘We are so very grateful to her for visiting the hospices to surprise our families and staff.’